I really like Joey Harrington and hope that he is the Texans' franchise QB in April 2002, but even he can't make me root for Nebraska. Miami has the defense to shut down Crouch. There will be no debate after tonight...Miami is # 1. Give me Hurricanes 30, Huskers 13
Nebraska - 35 Miami - 14 Then again, in my pool of 43 people picking winners (on ESPN), I am 40th, so what do I know. I actually thought the Big 12 might go 8-0 or 7-1 in its bowls.
Considering that I respect your views on college football greatly, Major, I would be curious to know why you think that Nebraska would win by this much. I will also include BGM on this, and ask for his reasoning on why he thinks that Nebraska will win 23-13. I admit that I am nervous about Nebraska's running game with the option. After all, Miami didn't do a great job in stopping the option the few times that Va Tech ran it. However, I think that the Canes will do okay in stopping it, but that Nebraska will still break some long runs on them. I think the key to the game will be on Nebraska's defense. I honestly don't see how they can stop Miami's offense because Miami is so well-balanced. After all, if Colorado can run on them, I know Miami can. Nebraska will do a good job in controlling the ball and keeping Dorsey off the field, but I think that Miami's offense will be able to score on Nebraska's defense somewhat easily. The score will be close because Nebraska will win the time of possession statistic.
I just feel Nebraska is highly motivated to shut everyone up and win this game...also they were punched in the face by CU and never could recover. They've had a month to work on their overpursuit problems. Also I just want to see Oregon get a piece of the championship...
<B>Major, I would be curious to know why you think that Nebraska would win by this much. </B> I'll talk about that below, but considering my track record in bowl games thus far, this is probably a good sign for Miami. Seriously, though, I think this game will be a blowout, but I'm not sure who will blow out who. <B>I admit that I am nervous about Nebraska's running game with the option. After all, Miami didn't do a great job in stopping the option the few times that Va Tech ran it. However, I think that the Canes will do okay in stopping it, but that Nebraska will still break some long runs on them. </B> I don't think any other team in the country (except maybe Texas with Applewhite ) has a chance against Miami. However, teams like Nebraska, Colorado, and Florida who are so strong in one area can simply overwhelm teams at times. For example, a team that runs OK and passes OK can consistently be shut down with a good UT-type defense, but sometimes a team that is just phenomenal in one area (even if bad in the other area) will surprise even the best defenses -- for example, Colorado over NU and UT. In that respect, I think (maybe just hope) NU has a chance to overwhelm Miami running at them. Miami's strength is in pass defense while their one weakness (if you can call it that) would be run defense. If NU can dominate the line early, they could be off to the races. On the other side of the ball... <B>I think the key to the game will be on Nebraska's defense. I honestly don't see how they can stop Miami's offense because Miami is so well-balanced. After all, if Colorado can run on them, I know Miami can. </B> I agree that the key will be Nebraska's defense. Miami, though, is the balanced-type team I was talking about rather than one that's dominating on either the ground or in the air. Before the CU game, there was talk that this Nebraska defense was its best EVER, which is saying quite a bit. Obviously, that talk is dead now, but this is still a very, very good defense that had one miserably bad game. I think it is much more suited to stopping a balanced attack than a CU (ground) or UF (air) type assault. <B>Nebraska will do a good job in controlling the ball and keeping Dorsey off the field, but I think that Miami's offense will be able to score on Nebraska's defense somewhat easily. The score will be close because Nebraska will win the time of possession statistic.</B> I think the key to the game may be the first quarter. If Miami scores early and holds NU (ala Colorado), NU can't play catch up very well and I think they'll get blown out. On the other hand, if NU gets lead early, they can just run like hell and wear down Miami. Even if Miami scores and gets back in the game, NU will benefit late from having beat up the D-Line. In that scenario, I think they'll be able to move the ball at-will late in the game. In the end, though, what gives the edge to Nebraska is Miami's home vs. road difference. Late in the season, Miami was a completely different team (or at least, different results) at home against Washington and Syracuse compared to on the road against Va Tech and Boston College. With Nebraska being closer and always travelling well, I've heard there's a massive sea of Red in LA right now. Anyway, good luck to your team. I can't imagine how excited I'd be right now if UT was in the Rose Bowl. I want Nebraska to win simply because I want the Big 12 to keep the title (I rooted for OU last year too), I want to reduce the Florida hype (even though all 3 teams apparently deserve the hype), and I want title controversy with the BCS.
I can't pull for a Big 12 North team, I just can't. When the Big 12 first formed, the North schools like CU and Nebraska were pretty arrogant (Texas has money but sucks) towards the Texas schools. Too bad after tonight UT, OU, and A&M will be the only schools from the Big 12 to win their bowls...hahaha
<B>Too bad after tonight UT, OU, and A&M will be the only schools from the Big 12 to win their bowls...hahaha </B> Yeah, but the South teams played #20 Washington, Iowa, Arkansas and TCU. The North teams played #1 Miami, #2 Oregon, #15? Syracuse, and Alabama (I think). That's one thing I still miss. I figured we'd finally get to play a Michigan, Tennessee, Florida type "name school" this year. Our bowl game opponents the last several years have sucked -- Washington, Oregon (they didn't really become a name school until this year), Arkansas, Mississippi State, Penn State (the exception... too bad we sucked!), VaTech (before they were a name school), North Carolina (before they were a name school).
I usually hate Nebraska, but for tonight I want the Big Red to win. I really like Joey Harrington now, and I'd love to see him get a piece of the championship. I also think Miami this year has been a little overrated, even though they are undefeated. They've been spectacular at home, but on the road, they've been extremely shaky in the closing months. (almost losses against BC and Virginia Tech, teams with very little offense) I still don't think Nebraska's defense is very good after the CU game, but motivation can help you rise above your talent. If this can't get them motivated, nothing can. Nebraska 30 Miami 27
Well, it's official. The CU game wasn't an aberration. Nebraska really is that bad. Texas A&M could probably take it to Nebraska right now. So sad for Oregon... they deserved to have a shot to play for the title themselves.
