There's always an air of anticipation before every college football season, but at Nebraska, they're looking ahead - and looking back - in 2014.

A good deal of optimism surrounds this year's Husker team, after a New Year's Day win over #23 Georgia in the Gator Bowl, and the return of some key players on both sides of the ball.

There will also be plenty of reflection in Lincoln this year, as 2014 marks the 125th season of Nebraska football.

I asked the 'Voice of the Huskers', Greg Sharpe, about the milestone season:

Tommy Armstrong
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. #4 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers eyes linebacker Alan Howze #37 of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 7, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Southern Miss 56-13. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
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Nebraska is just #22 in the AP pre-season poll, their lowest ranking since 2009, and there are some question marks surrounding this team, starting with quaterback Tommy Armstrong, who will be the starter from game one this season, and according to Greg, is really embracing the role of leader in the Cornhusker Huddle:

Michigan State v Nebraska
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 16: Defensive end Randy Gregory #44 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers dives for running back Jeremy Langford #33 of the Michigan State Spartans during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
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Defensively, the Huskers boast one of the top players in the nation in Randy Gregory, but have been hurt by injuries, suspensions, and departures. Still, the nucleus of a very young, talented group is back, with five sophomores in the starting lineup, including Sioux Falls native Nate Gerry, who's moved back to his natural position at safety after playing linebacker last season:

One area Nebraska needs to shore up in 2014 is turnovers, a stat that has seen them post a minus-22 the last two seasons:

As for Saturday's opponent, Florida Atlantic, from Conference USA, is on their early season 'money tour' with $1 million payout games at Nebraska this week and Alabama next week.

This is nothing new for the Owls, who played at Miami and Auburn in 2013.  One advantage that gives FAU is game experience in front of big crowds on the road:

Kickoff is 2:30pm Saturday at Memorial Stadium.  Catch all of the Cornhusker action all season long on ESPN 99.1.

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