ESPN Scouts Predicition

[trouble]

Nebraska offense vs. Clemson defense

RB Marlon Lucky has been slowed by a turf toe injury that he suffered in November and cost him the regular-season finale against Colorado. The injury is severe enough that Lucky likely won't be at 100 against Clemson despite the extended time off. However, backup Roy Helu is the team's leading rusher, has done an excellent job of picking up the slack and should continue to get the bulk of the work. He is a violent runner who is stronger than his 215-pound frame suggests, he can bounce runs outside after starting inside and shows good speed when he gets into space. Both backs run behind an offensive line that has done a good job of sustaining blocks and should have some success opening up holes between the tackles against Clemson. However, don't expect Helu and/or Lucky to have as much success getting outside because of the Tigers' speed at linebacker. It's also worth pointing out that Ss Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons are active in run support and give Clemson a formidable last line of defense.

 

Nebraska's Joe Ganz has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the FBS and he faces a listless Clemson pass rush that has recorded just 14 sacks, but don't expect him to put up big numbers in this one. Only nine FBS teams give up fewer passing yards per game than the Tigers (167.8 ypg) despite their lack of pressure on the quarterback, and they match up well with the Cornhuskers. CBs Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor have the man-to-man cover skills to stick with WRs Nate Swift and Todd Peterson coming out of their breaks. In addition, the 6-foot-3 Hamlin is big enough to hold his own working against 6-4 TE Mike McNeill, and Ganz should be wary of throwing in Hamlin's direction because Hamlin has six interceptions.

 

Nebraska vs. Clemson

Nebraska vs. Clemson

 

When: Thurs., Jan. 1, 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Jacksonville, Fla.

Preview: Cornhuskers, Tigers riding streaks

Clemson offense vs. Nebraska defense

The Cornhuskers have been tough to run on thanks in large part to 300-pound NT Ndamukong Suh, who is very disruptive in the middle. Suh should continue to wreak havoc working against the Tigers' interior offensive linemen and that doesn't bode well for RB James Davis, who is at his best running between the tackles. However, containing backup C.J. Spiller will be a far greater challenge for Nebraska. Spiller can turn the corner in a flash and he's almost impossible to catch from behind. Nebraska suspended starting WLB Cody Glenn in November and starting MLB Phillip Dillard missed the final four games of the regular season with an ankle injury, and the instability there increases the chances of a player getting caught out of position. Spiller needs only the smallest seam to break a long run, and while Davis isn't quite as explosive he's quick enough to turn the corner so he could also have some success getting outside.

 

It's been a disappointing season for Clemson QB Cullen Harper, who in fairness was hindered by a shoulder injury early on, but he's played well down the stretch and the senior has an opportunity to end his career on a high note. First, Clemson WRs Aaron Kelly, Tyler Grisham and Jacoby Ford are capable of separating from CBs Anthony West and Armando Murillo quickly. Secondly, Nebraska doesn't have a linebacker capable of staying with Spiller, who is a threat to turn a screen or catch in the flat into a momentum-shifting play. Thirdly, though Clemson's pass protection has been shaky and Nebraska has had success getting to the corner, Suh is the Cornhuskers' best pass rusher and Harper is mobile enough to roll out of the pocket. In addition, his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and the Tigers' screen game should help keep Nebraska's front four off-balance.

 

Special Teams

Cornhuskers PK Alex Henery connected on a 57-yard field goal that put Nebraska ahead with less than two minutes remaining in the regular-season finale, and he's made 14 of his 17 total attempts. On the flip side, Clemson PK Mark Buchholz has a long of 43 yards and he hasn't been as consistent as Henery.

 

Spiller handles all returns for the Tigers and his world-class speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against Alabama in the season opener and is averaging 9.1 yards per punt return and 27.9 yards per kickoff return. Meanwhile, Nebraska's punt coverage has been just adequate and its kickoff coverage has been inconsistent at best.

[trouble]

Scouts' Edge

Nebraska won five of its last six games, has made great strides under first-year head coach Bo Pelini and will give Clemson all it can handle. However, Davis and Spiller will ultimately lead the Tigers to the win. Though Clemson's offensive line won't dominate Davis and Spiller will make the most of the blocking and exploit a relatively inexperienced Nebraska linebacker corps. In addition, Spiller will provide the offense with quality starting field position and/or points as a return man. It will be just enough for the Tigers to end what could have been a disastrous season on a four-game winning streak.

 

Prediction: Tigers 27, Cornhuskers 24

[PenthouseTiger]

Scouts' Edge

Nebraska won five of its last six games, has made great strides under first-year head coach Bo Pelini and will give Clemson all it can handle. However, Davis and Spiller will ultimately lead the Tigers to the win. Though Clemson's offensive line won't dominate Davis and Spiller will make the most of the blocking and exploit a relatively inexperienced Nebraska linebacker corps. In addition, Spiller will provide the offense with quality starting field position and/or points as a return man. It will be just enough for the Tigers to end what could have been a disastrous season on a four-game winning streak.

 

Prediction: Tigers 27, Cornhuskers 24

I like the sound of that!

[Army Husker]

Has anyone ever had turf toe before...how bad is it? Just curious.

[HSKRNOKC]

All of the so called experts are split. Some Clemson some us.

 

Should be a hell of a game either way.

[PenthouseTiger]

Has anyone ever had turf toe before...how bad is it? Just curious.

Its always sounded like a wussy injury to me, but I think it must be much worse than it sounds.

Never had it myself though, wrestling was my sport and turftoe is one of the few injuries that wrestlers dont get that often

[CousinClem]

Has anyone ever had turf toe before...how bad is it? Just curious.

Its always sounded like a wussy injury to me, but I think it must be much worse than it sounds.

Never had it myself though, wrestling was my sport and turftoe is one of the few injuries that wrestlers dont get that often

 

 

Take off your shoe and kick the door jam with your big toe hard enough to make the joint purple and then see how easy it is to run or even walk. You have to remember that under that artificial turf is asphault.

[GSG]

Turf toe is no joke. It's a hard injury to tape/brace, which means you just have to wait it out and let it heal. Try removing your big toe and then attempting to explode out of any football stance or plant, cut, juke, etc etc.

[Army Husker]

Well ok then...got the picture...sux for Marlon

[GSG]

From what I read around the interwebs, turf toe is essentially what ended Jack Lambert's career. He was a tough dude too. Turf toe also played Neon Deion Sanders career too.

[WVhuskerXX]

yea Turf Toe is def not a wussy injury...its pretty serious

[huKSer]

Inflammation of the toe joint: very similar to gout, which I have had. I walked flat-footed (no pressure on the toe) for a couple of weeks.

[Micheal]

should be a good game tomorrow. GO BIG RED!!

[tattooedhusker]

From what I've gathered about it, Turftoe, is essentially dislocated ligaments on your big toe.

[BIGREDIOWAN]

Remind me never to get turf toe!