Nebraska's shaky defense expects test vs. Ark. St

"We don't want to overlook anybody," Nebraska tight end Kyler Reed said. "We've done that in the past. We can't do that again."

Arkansas State is guaranteed $1 million for Saturday's game — the most Nebraska has ever paid an opponent for coming to Lincoln. And the Red Wolves (1-1) bring along a fast-paced offense similar to the UCLA spread that shredded Nebraska (1-1) for 653 yards. Arkansas State quarterback Ryan Aplin is one of the most prolific run-pass threats in the nation.

The Red Wolves' confidence is fueled as much by its come-from-behind win over Memphis as fellow Sun Belt member Louisiana-Monroe's upset of then-No. 8 Arkansas.

"Nobody's invincible," Aplin said. "It definitely gives you more motivation. You go out and give your 'A' game and bring everything you've got, anything can happen. That's something we need to look at and make sure we don't leave anything on the field when that last whistle blows at Nebraska."

The Huskers have been busy this week resetting their defense.

Coaches have said freshmen, if not in the starting lineup, will see significant playing time at linebacker and on the line.

The depth on the line took a hit with the mid-week departure of starting defensive tackle Chase Rome. He didn't play much in the second half against UCLA, and coach Bo Pelini said Rome quit because of a disagreement with coaches over his role.

Defensive coordinator John Papuchis said if the Huskers don't improve their tackling — they missed an estimated two dozen against the Bruins — "we'll have a repeat of what we saw Saturday night."

"As a staff, that's not even in the equation," Papuchis said. "The players want to be better, and we're going to be better."

Part of the Nebraska coaches' job in the aftermath of the UCLA game has been to get the players' minds right.

"I'm more worried about having a lack of confidence right now," defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski said. "We're up for a challenge. (Arkansas State) has a lot of speed. They're good up front, and it's another running quarterback. The one thing I don't worry about with this team is having too much confidence right now."