No. 17 Huskers Bank on Beck to Get Offense Going

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The offense is Tim Beck's baby, and Nebraska expects a big growth spurt soon. There was lots to improve on after Beck's first season as an FBS-level offensive coordinator.

Hamstrung by penalties, turnovers and a limited playbook, the Cornhuskers ranked 66th nationally in total yards. They were 44th when coach Bo Pelini fired former coordinator Shawn Watson after the 2010 season.

Quarterback Taylor Martinez is entering his third season as the starter but, more important, his second in the same system. The top four rushers, including 1,300-yard workhorse Rex Burkhead, also are back, as are seven of the top eight receivers.

Martinez can tie it all together if he becomes a sharper passer - he completed 56 percent last season - and better decision-maker.