Huskers No. 19 a star in the making

Zac Taylor, Nebraska Huskers top offenses is confident that they have a big chance on winning the upcoming Saturday night’s game against the USC Trojans.  

The game against the Trojans is a good opportunity for Taylor to elevate his stature nationally, but he's more focused on showing the country the Cornhuskers are back to their old tricks on offense.

"I'm not out just to prove I'm a good player," Taylor said Tuesday. "More important, I want to show this offense is a good offense. If we put up a good performance against USC and we score some points, people will take notice of the offense and realize we know what we're doing out here."

During his career, Taylor recorded over 73 percent of his passes and thrown for seven touchdowns, which is tied for the national lead and has been intercepted once in 56 attempts, and that was on a deflected ball. He also recorded at least two touch down passes in the 10 of the last 11 games. 

"Everybody wants to be considered one of the best players at their position - it's only natural," Taylor said. "But if I'm 5-for-5 for 45 yards and we rush for 400, I'll be pretty satisfied with that. I'm going to play the best I can. If honors come with that, they come. If not, I'm not too worried about it."

So far, the USC Trojans presents the biggest challenge for Taylor since the Trojans have won 27 straight games at the Coliseum and 46 of their last 48 overall.

"I haven't seen film on every other team we're going to play, but it's probably the toughest pass rush we've seen so far in the last two years," Taylor said. "The offensive line is going to have its hands full."

To keep pressure off Taylor and to protect the ball, the Huskers will need to establish a competent running game.

After transferring from Butler County Community College, Taylor soon took over as starter last season. According to Callahan, Taylor has grown in the West Coast offense.

"He's dispersing the ball real well, getting it to a lot of different guys," he said. "As far as his reads and progressions, he remains quite disciplined. He's not taking sacks, not taking minus-yard plays, getting the ball off quick."

Even tight end Matt Herian said Taylor has elevated his level of play since last season.