University of Nebraska
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Students: 24,593 (19,345 undergrad)
Record vs USC: Nebraska leads the series 3-0, last game was played in 1987
2011 Record: 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten, currently ranked 20th
Head Coach: Bo Pelini (4th season as head coach, record 39-15)
Stadium: Citrus Bowl (Capacity 70,000)
Famous Alumni of Nebraska: Johnny Carson (former host of The Tonight Show), Warren Buffet (Fiancial Guru), Gerry Thomas (inventor of the TV dinner), Ndamukong Suh (NFL), and Tom Osborne(Former Coach, Congressman)
Let’s break this game down further…
The Capital One Bowl lucked out by selecting two programs with great fan bases that will bring plenty of fans to Orlando.
Both teams have good defenses but both will be without their defensive coordinators that got them to this point. For USC Coach Ward will be calling the plays on defense after the departure of Ellis Johnson to Southern Miss; as for Nebraska, John Papuchis will be taking Carl Pelini’s spot as the defensive coordinator.
Cornhusker Offense: Nebraska is led by sophomore dual threat quarterback Taylor Martinez, who has passed for 1973 yards and 12 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. He has also rushed for 837 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Cornhuskers leading rusher is Rex Burkhead, who ranks third in the Big Ten in rushing this year with 1268 yards and 15 touchdowns. USC will need need to shut down Martinez and Burkhead on the ground to have a chance in this game. Look for the Gamecocks to crowd the box and force Martinez to be successful via the pass.
Speaking of the pass, the Cornhuskers top wide receivers are Kenny Bell and Quincy Enunwa. They have combined for 701 recieving yards and four touchdowns. The Cornhuskers had the third worst passing offense in the Big Ten this season, only averaging 166 yards per game.
Look for Nebraska to attempt to run the ball a lot. Nebraska averaged 223 rushing yards on the ground,
Nebraska on Defense:
Nebraska ranked 7th in the Big Ten in both scoring defense and total defense this year. The Cornhuskers, on average, gave up 350 yards and 22 points per game. In a run first Big Ten, the Cornhuskers gave up 161 yards per game on the ground and 189 yards in the air this season.
South Carolina will look to open up the running game by throwing the ball down field early and often. Look for Alshon to make a statement as one of the best wide receivers in this up coming NFL draft.
The Cornhuskers are lead on defense by linebacker David Lavonte, who racked up 122 tackles and two interceptions on the season. Defensive end Cameron Meredith, who has an awesome mustache, lead the team in sacks with five on the season.
What could happen:
USC has not played well in bowl games during the Spurrier era, but this year is different. A 10 win season, with the chance to to win 11, could be enough motivation to get this team fired up.
Look for quarterback Conner Shaw to play well, as he is the future of this program. Getting Kyle Nunn back could be a big boost for the offensive line. Nebraka is a good team but USC is better. This could be the last game for Alshon and he will make the most of it. Look for Alshon to have at least 7 receptions and one touchdown.
This will be a defensive battle to attempt to stop the run and both teams will come ready to play. I have a feeling the first half will be a slugfest until each team can figure out how to move the ball. Look for USC to make a second half on their way to a 2012 win.
Prediction Time: USC 24 Nebraska 17
