Number 17 Nebraska believes its offense is about to make a big jump in Tim Beck's second year as coordinator.

The Cornhuskers were 66th in offense nationally a year ago. Beck was just learning how to be a coordinator, and his players were just learning his system.

Beck said quarterback Taylor Martinez now has a better understanding of the spread-option system. The Huskers also return their top four rushers and seven of their top eight receivers. That experience should allow the Huskers to run a wider array of plays.

Beck said he also has matured as a coordinator. He said he sometimes became stubborn last season and repeatedly called plays that weren't going to work against certain defenses.

Nebraska opens Sept. 1 at home against Southern Mississippi.