These are trying times for Bo Pelini.

The Nebraska coach, a defensive devotee, had his team scorched – at home – by Missouri last week, surrendering 462 yards and 52 points.

Now the Cornhuskers hit the road for Lubbock, Texas, to face the nation’s passing leader in Tech’s Graham Harrell.

The last time these teams met on the West Texas plains, the Red Raiders administered a 77-10 shellacking on the Huskers. It was a low point for the program, the most points allowed and the worst margin of defeat in school history.

Pelini wasn’t there for that, but back-to-back losses to Virginia Tech and Missouri have exposed his defense.

“There is enough talent here to play better than we did Saturday and to compete and win,” Pelini said. “I’m not a guy who sits here and makes excuses. And I’ll never be that way.”

Tech just keeps rolling along, leading the nation in passing offense and ranking fifth in scoring offense, averaging 48.2 points a game.

Nebraska ranks 97th nationally in pass defense.

Another sign of the times: this is Tech’s homecoming.

Notes:

Nebraska leads the series 7-2, but the Red Raiders have won the last two meetings.

Michael Crabtree’s two touchdown catches at Kansas State gave him 30 for his career, tying him for second all-time at Tech.

Misplaced stat: the air-attack Red Raiders have rushed for more than 100 yards in every game this season.

Player to Watch (Red Raiders) – Michael Crabtree, WR

Crabtree’s ascent up the Tech receiving charts should continue against the Huskers, who have no answer for him in their secondary. The Big 12 receiving leader is averaging 7.6 catches and 112.8 yards a game. He has eight touchdowns.

Player to Watch (Cornhuskers) – Joe Ganz, QB

The Huskers best chance may be to keep up. That means turning Ganz loose. He’s been effective, averaging 258 yards a game through the air, although his nine TD passes are offset somewhat by five interceptions.

Texas Tech by 24