No smack talk this year ... instead, the University of Nebraska Alumni Association tells TMZ it is organizing a pre-game campaign of support for those affected by the Penn State sex scandal.

A rep for the association tells TMZ, members plan to distribute hundreds of blue ribbons on Saturday before, during, and after the game in solidarity with Penn State and others affected by child abuse.

If students don't have access to a blue ribbon, Nebraska alums are asking all Huskers to wear any kind of blue whatsoever as a sign of support for their Penn State brethren.