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Who has the edge?

By ROBERT CESSNA

A&M's run game vs. Nebraska's run defense: Quarterback Stephen McGee (85 carries-544 yards) and tailbacks Jorvorskie Lane (102 carries-445 yards) and Mike Goodson (88 carries-433 yards) have to be trying hard not to smile. Nebraska allows 208.6 yards rushing per game, which is 106th in the country. Nebraska has allowed four 100-yard rushing efforts and one 200-yard effort. Nebraska allowed Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel 72 yards rushing on 11 carries, and McGee is 10 times the rusher that Daniel is. "We're going to do everything we can to mix up everything we can to attack [A&M's offense]," NU head coach Bill Callahan said. "We've got to attack this offense and attack it in a fashion that is unique and different." A&M senior offensive guard Chris Yoder was hurt last week, and he could be replaced by sophomore Michael Shumard. Starting offensive tackle Yemi Babalola has missed the last three games. Edge: Texas A&M

A&M's pass attack vs. Nebraska's pass defense: The Aggies showed promise with a 218-yard effort in the comeback victory over Oklahoma State, but that success blew away on the South Plains during the loss to Texas Tech last weekend. A&M passed for only 133 yards on 30 attempts. A&M ranks 109th in the country in passing (162.6 yards per game). McGee should fare better against a defense that's allowed an average of 337 yards passing over the last four games. Edge: Texas A&M

Nebraska's run game vs. A&M's run defense: Marlon Lucky has averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 532 yards with 6 TDs in Nebraska's victories. He has 166 yards in the losses, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with no touchdowns. The NU offensive line is led by center Brett Byford, who is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. A&M linebackers Mark Dodge and Misi Tupe have been solid, helping A&M hold opponents to 3.7 yards per rush. Edge: Nebraska

Nebraska's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: Arizona State transfer Sam Keller has good numbers -Ê1,849 yards passing on 156 of 246, but he was only 10-of-18 passing last week for a season-low 129 yards. Maurice Purify had one catch last week after 21 for 278 in the previous four games. Lucky (36 catches-263 yards) is a weapon out of the backfield for a unit averaging 269.1 passing yards per game, which is 27th in the country. The Huskers should have success against a unit that's allowed four teams to pass for at least 250 yards. A&M lost cornerback Danny Gorrer, who had made 22 straight starts. Edge: Nebraska

Special teams: A&M's kicking game needs a good road trip after struggling at Miami and Texas Tech. Matt Szymanski is 1 for 4 in field goal attempts on the road, while Justin Brantly averages 40 yards a punt, almost 5 yards less than at home. Nebraska is 25th in the country in net punting (37.4), and punter Dan Tichener has nine kicks inside the 20 and seven were fair caught. But the Huskers are only 98th in the country in punt returns (6.1). NU is 6 of 6 on field goals, and Adi Kunalic has kicked off 36 times with 19 touchbacks. Edge: Texas A&M

Intangibles: Texas A&M is walking into a hornets' nest. The Husker Nation will rally around its team with legendary coach Tom Osborne back at the helm as interim athletic director. The much-maligned defense, stripped of their Blackshirts, will be emotionally charged as well. A&M has its own incentive. A second blowout loss of the season has this team at the crossroads. If A&M can't beat a crippled Nebraska team, what chance will it have at Oklahoma or Missouri? Edge: Nebraska