Weekly press conferences for college football coaches around the country almost always find the head coach --especially of the favored team -- praising the upcoming opponent and showing the upcoming foe the utmost respect. Tuesday was no different at Nebraska as coach Bill Callahan spoke of the danger of facing Pittsburgh, former NFL coach Dave Wannstedt and quarterback Tyler Palko.

This time, however, I think the words aren't hollow. Pitt is the classic "wounded dog" team: Going on the road with an 0-2 record, the Panthers' season will essentially be in the toliet if they don't come out of Lincoln with a win and they're still stinging from a 16-10 OT loss against an Ohio team that probably had no business beating them.

Callahan has butted heads with Wannstedt before when both were in the NFL and seems to have a lot of respect for his ability to scheme (at least that's what he's telling the media). Palko has looked horrid early on, but he's the football equivalent of a streak shooter and is capable of getting hot in a hurry. The Huskers had better hope Palko doesn't suddenly find his game on Saturday. The Blackshirts have been good so far, but they've yet to be tested in the passing game.

The line has NU favored by 10 1/2 points now. That seems like a lot for a Nebraska team that has averaged one offensive TD in its first two games. Expecting any more defensive scores this season would be asking a lot. Maybe I'm wrong here, but this one looks like it could get dicey for Callahan's crew.

Speaking of lines ... how about Oklahoma a 7-point dog at UCLA on Saturday. The Sooners are apparently losing national respect in a hurry.

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