ESPN Preview:
Nebraska
Season storyline: Here's the good news: Nebraska is playing in a bowl game. That's something the Cornhuskers hadn't been able to say since 2016. This year, they ended the longest bowl drought in the country, so that's an unquestionable success story. But, it's not exactly where Nebraska fans wanted their team to be, either. After a 5-1 start to the season, the Huskers dropped five of their next six and finished at .500. Their woeful record in one-possession games continued, too, with losses to Illinois, Ohio State,
UCLA, USC and Iowa all coming by eight or fewer points. And although heralded freshman QB
Dylan Raiola had some nice moments, his final stat line -- 12 touchdowns, 10 INTs, 6.8 yards per pass -- wasn't exactly going to get him into the All-Big Ten conversation. So yes, Nebraska is happy to be here. But it will be a lot happier next year if it's fighting for a playoff berth.
Player to watch: Ty Robinson is the leader of a veteran defensive front that has been one of the nation's best at stopping the run. Nebraska ended the regular season allowing just 106 yards per game on the ground, No. 12 nationally, along with just six rushing touchdowns. Robinson had 22 tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, leading the way, along with
John Bullock and
Jimari Butler, who each chipped in with a run stuff rate better than 5%. --
Hale
Boston College
Season storyline: This was always going to be a season of change for Boston College, with Bill O'Brien taking over as head coach and a new approach to a system for the Eagles. A big part of that shift was reeling in QB
Thomas Castellanos, who was a prolific runner in 2023 but was asked to play more from the pocket in 2024. That formula didn't quite work out, and Castellanos was ultimately benched -- a decision that resulted in him leaving the team. After
Grayson James took over, however, the offense came to life and BC won its final two games, against North Carolina and Pitt. James had four touchdowns and no picks in those games.
Player to watch: Kye Robichaux and
Treshaun Ward have been a dynamic duo in BC's backfield this season, combining for 1,131 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. They're a thunder-and-lightning combination, with Robichaux serving as the power back who dominates at the goal line, while Ward is explosive and a weapon in the passing game.
ESPN BET early line: Nebraska -4