HuskerfaninOkieland
Heisman Trophy Winner
SI.com
No. 22 Arizona (8-4) vs. No. 20 Nebraska (9-4)
Dec. 30, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Reason to watch: It's one more chance to watch Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, perhaps the most dominant interior lineman in decades. It's also a chance to check out Arizona, a steadily rising program that probably would have won the Pac-10 title if not for a double-overtime loss to Oregon.
Keep an eye on: Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, who will hopefully have a better day against Mr. Suh than Texas quarterback Colt McCoy had in the Big 12 title game. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Michigan State transfer didn't win the starting job in preseason camp, but he made the most of his chance when he got it. Foles, who started the Wildcats' final nine games, completed 66 percent of his passes and finished the regular season with 2,420 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Did you know: In 10 postseason games as a head coach or defensive coordinator, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has led defenses that have allowed an average of 18.4 points, 83 rushing yards and 254.7 yards a game.
Final analysis: Nebraska's defense will need to set up the offense with great field position, or the Cornhuskers could lose another low-scoring affair. Of course, Nebraska won't have to move the ball far against Arizona's stout defense to get into Alex Henery's field-goal range. The Wildcats should just hold Suh on every play. It didn't work for Texas, but it's probably the best option. Still, if the Wildcats can reach the end zone twice, they can win.
The pick: Nebraska 12, Arizona 10.
:blink: :blink:
No. 22 Arizona (8-4) vs. No. 20 Nebraska (9-4)
Dec. 30, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Reason to watch: It's one more chance to watch Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, perhaps the most dominant interior lineman in decades. It's also a chance to check out Arizona, a steadily rising program that probably would have won the Pac-10 title if not for a double-overtime loss to Oregon.
Keep an eye on: Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, who will hopefully have a better day against Mr. Suh than Texas quarterback Colt McCoy had in the Big 12 title game. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Michigan State transfer didn't win the starting job in preseason camp, but he made the most of his chance when he got it. Foles, who started the Wildcats' final nine games, completed 66 percent of his passes and finished the regular season with 2,420 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Did you know: In 10 postseason games as a head coach or defensive coordinator, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has led defenses that have allowed an average of 18.4 points, 83 rushing yards and 254.7 yards a game.
Final analysis: Nebraska's defense will need to set up the offense with great field position, or the Cornhuskers could lose another low-scoring affair. Of course, Nebraska won't have to move the ball far against Arizona's stout defense to get into Alex Henery's field-goal range. The Wildcats should just hold Suh on every play. It didn't work for Texas, but it's probably the best option. Still, if the Wildcats can reach the end zone twice, they can win.
The pick: Nebraska 12, Arizona 10.
:blink: :blink:
