Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl (23)
Nebraska vs. Washington, Dec. 30, San Diego
Why Watch: To see whether the Huskies can stay on the field in this rematch of a 35-point beating in the regular season. And to see whether the Cornhuskers can be roused to take this game seriously.
Mascot Edge: Dubs the Alaskan Malamute beats Herbie Husker. Dash rule of thumb: live mascot beats dude in big-head costume. Herbie needs a John Deere to ride around the field. Or a pitchfork to carry. Or Pistol Pete's rifle.
Uniform Edge: Solidly in favor of Washington.
Moderately Useful Dash Fact: After a deflating loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game and reports of a conversation between Bo Pelini and Miami about its opening (which he refuted), it's fair to question Nebraska's motivation level. But Washington isn't good enough to beat even a half-stepping Huskers team.
Dash Pick: Nebraska 35, Washington 11.