Who's under center?
High hopes at UNO have much to do with a dynamic offense, with the full expectation that either John Teigland or Jon Daniels will be ready to step in, lead the team and get the ball to the right people. But what if neither is ready to do that? Teigland had a great first half in his only start last year, but UNO wound up losing. Daniels sat out last year after transferring from a junior college.

Finding a man in the middle
A few snaps per game was about all Kent Fleming was able to give at nose guard last season, but he's worked hard to get from his listed 335 pounds down to close to 305. The Mavs need the junior to be the kind of every-down player that two-time MIAA selection Zac Keller was.

Young defensive backs
UNO struggled to stop big plays last season, and now has to replace cornerback Matt Ajuoga and experienced safeties Jason Zabka and Steve Janda. Cornerback Bruce Harris has shown flashes and safety Danny Pelster has seen it all, but the four backups in the secondary — including nickel back Bryan Shepherd — are all redshirt freshmen.

Depth at linebacker
The offseason departures of Bobby Stroup (last year's leading tackler) and Evan Martin before their eligibility expired thinned the linebacking corps. Starters A.J. Williams and Kyle Moore are seniors with experience, but the rest of the two-deep includes two sophomores and two redshirt freshmen.

Rough road schedule
While UNO hopes to build momentum with its five-game homestand to start the season, the back end of the schedule could be brutal, with games at Washburn, Central Missouri, Pittsburg State and Truman State. If the Mavs start 3-2 or worse (UNK, Ouachita Baptist and Northwest Missouri State all have a chance to win at Caniglia Field), what happens when they hit the road?

— Rob White

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