The next in our series examining the stretch of games that will make or break each team's season.

Now at bat: The Cornhuskers of Lincoln.

The stretch: at Kansas State (Oct. 7), vs. Texas (Oct. 16), at Oklahoma State (Oct. 23) and Missouri (Oct. 30)

The breakdown: For as much attention as the game against Texas gets, it won't mean much if the Huskers can't beat both Kansas State and Missouri. Two suitors looking to steal the North away, both teams are capable of knocking off the Huskers.

Kansas State's last Big 12 regular season game was against the Huskers, but Nebraska will open their last year in the Big 12 with a Thursday night primetime date with the Wildcats. The obvious way to leave with a win is to rein in Daniel Thomas. Kansas State should be better in the passing game with a better receiving corps, but if the Wildcats are going to spring the upset, they'll need a big day from their workhorse.

Thomas had a nice game, rushing for 99 yards on 19 carries and catching four passes for 51 yards, but it still wasn't enough to put the Wildcats into the Big 12 title game. If Nebraska outrushes Kansas State, a very real possibility, the game's over.

We've talked a bit about this game before, but Nebraska and Texas look like a push when you weigh them both, and they're both deserving of a top 10 preseason ranking. Field goal kicking decided last year's game. Nebraska still has their money kicker. Texas doesn't. If this turns into a kicking contest -- which, considering the defenses, it might -- I'll take Alex Henery over Justin Tucker.

Oklahoma State reeks of a trap game, a team with the capability to do to the Huskers what Texas Tech did a season ago, now that the Red Raiders are off the Huskers' schedule. If Nebraska takes care of business, they should leave with a close win. Tackle well and contain Kendall Hunter. Win the turnover battle, or keep it within one. Do both of those things and Nebraska should notch a solid road conference win.

Missouri's won just once in Lincoln since 1978, a 2008 drubbing with a top 10 team against a hapless Nebraska defense. These are very different circumstances. The Tigers' preseason troubles have done little to inspire belief Missouri can make it two in a row at Memorial Stadium, especially after a Missouri meltdown in the fourth quarter of last year's game in Columbia.

Missouri may look like a much different team in October. Until then, bank on the Huskers holding serve at home to close out a one-sided rivalry with Missouri.

The prediction: 4-0

More Key stretches:

• Texas Tech
• Texas A&M
• Texas
• Oklahoma State
• Oklahoma