The Nebraska Cornhuskers aren’t the team they used to be.

Currently sitting at 7-2 and lacking the gamebreakers of years past, the Huskers will probably turn in their most disappointing year in the last half-decade.

Unfortunately for opponents like the Cyclones, disappointment for Nebraska football means 9-3.

They’re not the team they used to be, but the Cornhuskers are still head and shoulders above 100 Division 1A schools.

Leading Frank Solich’s offense on Saturday will be freshman Eric Crouch, a young gun with both a powerful arm and the ability to create offense on the ground.

With first-string QB Bobby Newcombe out for the year and perennial backup Monte Christo struggling lately, Crouch will get his opportunity to shine.

He relieved Christo in last week’s home loss to the Texas Longhorns and carried 17 times for 108 yards as well as completing 6-of-13 passes for 59 yards.

On the year, Crouch is 25-of-50 for 294 yards, a touchdown and an interception, most of his snaps coming in the first several games. He has also managed 242 rushing yards and five TDs on 42 carries.

Starting at the primary I-back position for the Huskers this weekend will be another preseason third-stringer, Dan Alexander.

With starter DeAngelo Evans still day-to-day with a bruised tailbone and backup Correll Buckhalter struggling, Alexander will also have a chance to prove himself against Iowa State.

The 6-foot, 250-pound converted fullback, often criticized for a lack of explosive speed and physical toughness, has been effective so far this year in a limited role. He has carried the ball 45 times for 237 yards and a touchdown.

Powerful fullback Joel Makovicka, the team’s second-leading ball carrier with 379 yards, remains healthy and effective.

The Huskers have relied on all of their backs to remain the fifth-rated rushing offense in the nation.

With early-season injuries to receivers Lance Brown and Kenny Cheatham, backups Matt Davison and Shevin Wiggins were called upon to step in and perform.

The duo has responded with 580 yards, accounting for nearly half of Nebraska’s receptions and receiving yardage to date.

The Husker offensive line, which returned only center Josh Heskew from a year ago, has struggled so far by most accounts, despite the impressive offensive numbers.

Heskew, guards James Sherman and Ben Gessford and tackles Adam Julch and Jason Schwab have not opened the holes that their counterparts did last season, but have obviously been adequate most of the time.

Defensively, the Huskers still have eight of last year’s starters and have remained fairly dominant, though they have been hampered by injury.

The “D” starts up front with rush end Chad Kelsay, who has seemed, at times, unblockable.

The entire front four has been effective so far, especially against the run. Despite 150 Ricky Williams rushing yards last week, the line played well and held the most explosive rusher in the nation to four yards per carry.

On the year, Kelsay, fellow end Mike Rucker and tackles Steve Warren and Jason Wiltz have given up only 109.0 rushing yards per game (17th in the nation) and 13.6 points per game (ninth in the nation).

The linebacking corps has also been effective, particularly the play of middle backs Jay Foreman and Carlos Polk, both of whom are strong run-stoppers.

Eric Johnson and Tony Ortiz, both regulars last season, have played well at the outside positions.

The secondary may be Nebraska’s weakness, but it still features three returning starters, gives up less than 200 passing yards per game and has already picked up nine interceptions.

Cornerback Ralph Brown is the unit’s leader, an aggressive back with a penchant for making big plays and breaking up passes. His aggression has cost him the big pass on occasion, though.

Erwin Swiney has been consistent at the other corner position.

Despite injury to starting free safety Clint Finley, backup Joe Walker and strong safety Mike Brown (no relation to Ralph) have played well.

On special teams, Nebraska is also very good.

Punter Bill Lafleur is currently ranked 10th in the nation with a 44.38 yard average.

Kicker Kris Brown already has 67 points this year, nailing 37 PATs and 10-of-15 field goal attempts.

Joe Walker has also been handling returns in addition to his duties in the defensive backfield. His 11.23-yard average makes him one of the top 25 punt returners in the nation.

Nebraska may not be the team fans have come to expect, but their roster is still loaded with talent, from top to bottom.