Nebraska coach Bill Callahan says this weekend’s matchup with Iowa State begins the most critical portion of their scheduled. The Huskers play three of their next four games on the road and their only home game is a matchup with Texas. Callahan says these are all big games for his team’s success, and he says anytime you go on the road there are big challenges.

Nebraska opened the Big-12 race with an overtime win against Kansas and Callahan says is another big game. He says they knew from the start this game would impact the Big 12 North race and he says they’re excited about the challenge.

Callahan says the Husker defense needs to show improvement this week and that will start by containing ISU quarterback Bret Meyer. He says Meyer can do a lot of things as a passer that allow him to do what he does well.