Wyoming football begins it’s 2013 campaign with arguably the toughest opponent on the schedule, Nebraska.

The Cowboys held their own against the Cornhuskers in the first half of a 2011 contest at War Memorial Stadium, trailing 7-14 at halftime.  Three second half Nebraska touchdowns however, propelled the Huskers past the Pokes 38-14.

While there was a great turnout of Nebraska fanatics in Laramie, there are sure to be roughly 70,000 more of them at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Junior quarterback Brett Smith says although he’s partial to playing at home, he looks forward to playing the Huskers on their turf. “I love War Memorial to death, especially when it gets packed; there are not many things in life that can beat Saturday at War Memorial.  At the same time, there’s something about playing Nebraska that I just can’t wait for.  I’m just excited to go into their place and experience that atmosphere.”

That atmosphere, is a sea of around 80,000 fans that aren't afraid to exercise their vocal chords.  The only speckles of color in the stadium that aren't red, are the yellow corncob hats donned by the Nebraska student body.

Offensive lineman Tyler Strong loves those kinds of atmospheres.  “I definitely like playing those big teams weather it’s the first game of the season or whether it’s later on, it’s a challenge and I love being able to take them on.”

Defensive end Eddie Yarbrough echoed Strong's sentiment.  “I want to play the best.  Nebraska is a really good team and I’m excited to go against them.”

The Cowboy coaching staff is a bit more cautious about playing a national powerhouse.

Defensive coordinator Chris Tormey  said “If you have to play somebody like Nebraska, you might as well play them out of the blocks.  You learn a lot about yourself the first week.  We won’t see anybody that runs the ball better than Nebraska.  You talk about talent in the offense line and talented running backs and a great scheme, Nebraska’s a very talented team.”

Nebraska fans have sold out an NCAA record 325 consecutive games.  1962 was the last time there were available Husker tickets on game day.

Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen joked about the schedule “Well it doesn't matter who we play first because nobody asked me.  I have to play the games that are there and Nebraska is the first game and we’ll prepare for them as we would any other team.  It’s a big game, on the road, and in an unbelievable venue.  But, we went to Texas last year and we know what we’re getting into.  We’re going to try to play our best game.”

Although he didn't have much to say, co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Pete Kaligis may have summed it up for all football fans. “It doesn’t matter where we open up, I just want to get back out there.”

The Cowboys and Cornhuskers kickoff at 6:00PM Saturday, August 31st.

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