It's GAMEDAY, bitches! A couple of thoughts:

1. I do not know that Michigan is going to run the ball very effectively against us. Our front guys on defense is, basically, the only place where Nebraska has the clear advantage. If NU shuts down the run, I believe this is a winnable game.

2. The San Antonio paper reported today that they believe that 50,000 Nebraska fans will be there tonight. 50,000! 60,000 went to the Rose Bowl in 2001. Add el Big Boi and Hales, who have probably been drinking the last 48 straight hours, and we might have the loudest Alamo Bowl crowd in history. Just having that home game atmosphere should really help the Huskers....

3. ....and not really hurt Michigan. Playing in the Alamodome is like playing at Northwestern when they have a crappy team. The "big game" atmosphere really should not effect them whatsoever.

Look--I love Nebraska. I love their chances of going down there and putting on the most heart-filled, will-not-be-denied effort and pulling the upset. But Michigan is better everywhere but at the d-line and special teams. We are totally out-athleted (duh). The only things that I am holding onto here are (look, another list!):

1. Bill Callahan. Michigan gave up 144 yards of offense to Ohio State--their most bitter rival--in the second half of the fourth quarter. Billy C. showed what he can do with a bye week. I am very anxious to see what he can do with a bye month. Because, regardless if we can execute or not, Callahan is going to have an offensive game plan that will be superior to Michigan's defensive game plan. Again, it comes down to execution. This is, obviously, going to be very tough for the Huskers.

2. Rushing game. Like I mentioned above, if we shut down Michigan's rushing game, I like our chances. They have a very good running back in Mike Hart. However, he may be rusty. On the flip side of this, is our running backs. Michigan has been susceptible to the run this year. If we can establish a rushing game--which I believe will include a lot of Marlon Lucky--our passing game will be hard to stop. You know that Zac Taylor is brimming in confidence after that Colorado game. He showed that he can be a real force throwing the ball when he A) has time in the pocket, and B) when he gets in a rhythm. Let's hope that Cory Ross and Lucky get going early.

3. Defense. Again, as mentioned above, I like our defense here. Sure, Michigan's offensive line are a bunch of power forwards with 300 lb bodies, but we are certainly quicker than them. If they can establish themselves, I have enough confidence in our secondary and linebackers that we can keep their scoring to a minimum.

I guess that is about it. Gun to the head prediction? We'll probably get beat. Fortunately, I do not have a gun to my head. So I'm saying:

Huskers 30 Wolverines 24

What do you think?

# posted by GA Hill : 11:06 AM