The 2007 season will be as challenging as the "Big Red" has faced in many years. Every non-conference game will be a challenge and it will be difficult for NU to win them all. Here is the non-conference schedule and what NU can expect in 2007.
Nevada
This 8-5 Western Athletic Conference team in 2006 was beaten by Miami 21-20 in the MPC Computers Bowl. They return 14 starters from last year's team. They will have a new starter at QB this year. Sophmore Nick Graziano looks to be the leader for the team's "Pistol Offense". The strength of the Wolfpack is the defensive front seven.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest was the surprise of 2006 in college football. They were 11-3 and lost to Louisville 24-13 in the Orange Bowl. Wake Forest has 15 starters back. In 2007, Wake Forest will have more overall talent, depth, and experience. If starting running back Micah Andrews can heal from a torn ACL, this team can beat NU at Wake Forest this fall.
USC
USC beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl and went 11-2 in 2006.
USC was one of the best teams in the nation last year and has 18 returning starters back. They only lost one defensive starter. Even though they lost Jarrett and Smith at WR they will reload and have similar replacements. Jarrett and Smith were two of the top receivers in the country last year.
With John David Booty returning at QB and the best linebackers in the country, NU would need to upset USC in Lincoln.
Ball State
This is the easiest of the non-conference schedule games. The Cardinals went 5-7 last year. They return 13 starters. Ball State almost beat Michigan last year but lost with freshman QB Nate Davis 34-26. A much matured Davis should make Ball State competitive this year. The defense is still a weakness and won't be able to stop NU.
Look for a 2-2 to 3-1 record for NU as they start the 2007 conference schedule.
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