Last week I predicted a 21-17 Clemson victory in the Gator Bowl. I'll stick with that prediction, though I do admit to being a little concerned about this game. Most of this concern comes from not having seen the Huskers play more than a handful of plays this year - so I have no idea of what to expect. Some of it comes from the long layoff between game 12 and the bowl game for both teams - who knows what effect that will have on either or both teams. Some of it comes from common sense - Nebraska is improved under Bo Pelini.
When I look at Nebraska's season a couple of things stand out -
Nebraska is ranked 12th in total offense. The bulk of those numbers, however, were put up against Western Michigan, New Mexico State, Iowa State, Baylor and Kansas State. The Huskers faced two defenses in the top 22 all year (San Jose State and Virginia Tech) and were held to 315 and 333 yards respectively.
Nebraska's 65th ranked defense may be a little under rated - they held Texas Tech to 421 yards and Missouri to 462 - not bad. On the other hand, they gave up 377 yards to the 107th ranked Virginia Tech offense at home (but this was relatively early in the season).
Nebraska has scored at least 4 non-offensive touchdowns, so this could be something to look for.
I'm not sure Nebraska is used to the speed they are going to see on the field on Thursday. C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford are world class sprinters, so the big play factor would seem to be in Clemson's favor.
Overall, I expect a close, relatively low scoring game. Nebraska has the size advantage, Clemson has the speed advantage. When the Huskers play a bad team (or non-BCS team) they win. Win they play a good team they typically lose. In the end, Clemson will make one more play and survive in Jacksonville.
When I look at Nebraska's season a couple of things stand out -
Nebraska is ranked 12th in total offense. The bulk of those numbers, however, were put up against Western Michigan, New Mexico State, Iowa State, Baylor and Kansas State. The Huskers faced two defenses in the top 22 all year (San Jose State and Virginia Tech) and were held to 315 and 333 yards respectively.
Nebraska's 65th ranked defense may be a little under rated - they held Texas Tech to 421 yards and Missouri to 462 - not bad. On the other hand, they gave up 377 yards to the 107th ranked Virginia Tech offense at home (but this was relatively early in the season).
Nebraska has scored at least 4 non-offensive touchdowns, so this could be something to look for.
I'm not sure Nebraska is used to the speed they are going to see on the field on Thursday. C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford are world class sprinters, so the big play factor would seem to be in Clemson's favor.
Overall, I expect a close, relatively low scoring game. Nebraska has the size advantage, Clemson has the speed advantage. When the Huskers play a bad team (or non-BCS team) they win. Win they play a good team they typically lose. In the end, Clemson will make one more play and survive in Jacksonville.
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