Expect the Huskers to show a more developed, consistent short passing game, especially with a group of taller, heavier, and more physically strong receivers on the field to catch the ball.

NU had almost no short passes in 2023, but Dylan Raiola gets the ball out of his hands quickly.

And just like the former catcher that he is, he knows how to throw to third base, so to speak.

UTEP wants to get to work quickly and offensive coordinator Jake Brown attacked the Huskers with a series of short passes and receiver screens a year ago while at Louisiana Tech.

Nebraska’s secondary will be tasked with tackling well in space, especially from the side.

An early physical test for cornerbacks Tommi Hill and Marques Buford, along with rover Isaac Gifford: They’re all crafty enough to anticipate and disrupt.

Nebraska plans to field four running backs — Gabe Ervin, Emmett Johnson, Rahmir Johnson and Dante Dowdell — to start the season, hoping two of them can form a top duo.

Because they each have a relatively small piece of the pie against UTEP, every snap carries extra weight and implications for the rest of the season.

A good performance from a tailback can be an important domino for the rankings for the rest of the year.