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 Holiday Bowl (20) Arizona vs. (22) Nebraska
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 8 PM ET ESPN
This is surprisingly one of the hardest bowls to call. Allow me to set the scene.
You have the once feeble Arizona Wildcats facing off against a Nebraska team that is among the most storied in all of college football. I won't go so far as to say that the Wildcats' football program has caught up to their basketball program but they finished 2nd in the Pac-10 this season and have conjured up two straight winning seasons and two straight bowl appearances.
Nebraska, on the other hand, has found themselves in unfamiliar waters this decade. From 1962 to our current year, the Cornhuskers finished the season unranked in the AP Poll only eight times; five of those seasons coming in this decade and the other three coming in the 60's. Also keep in mind that the AP Poll ranked only the top 10 teams from 1962 to 1967. The Cornhuskers finished unranked in 1962 with a 9-2 record.
Historically you may call this a David vs. Goliath situation, but if you've watched either team this season you know that's not true. Let's start with the Nebraska defense because I know everybody is dying to talk about all-world defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and the 9th ranked Cornhuskers D.
 Suh had been well-known all season, but garnered attention unheard of for a defensive tackle following the Big 12 Championship in which he sacked Texas quarterback Colt McCoy 4 times and recorded 12 tackles. The good news for the Wildcats, though, is that quarterback Nick Foles has been able to keep his jersey relatively clean this year. 'Zona has allowed the 10th fewest sacks this season, giving up only 11. Still, I can't imagine Suh not getting into the backfield on occasion tonight, even if he is double teamed by the Arizona O'Line. The Cornhuskers have recorded 42 sacks this season, 2nd in the FBS. That's 30 sacks not recorded by Suh.
The Cornhuskers defense also recorded 19 interceptions this season, tied for the fifth highest total in the FBS. Foles has thrown 8 picks this year and 3 in his last five games. While the Arizona offense is best defined as middle of the road, their ability to protect the quarterback and limit turnovers, both things Nebraska does well on defense, will be key to winning the game.
Sophomore Juron Criner, who stands 6'4, is the Wildcats' leading receiver, although he has been very streaky this season. He'll have to show up. Keola Antolin and Nic Grigsby split carries on the ground; however Antolin is still listed as questionable for the game with a shoulder injury. He has stated that he intends to play, 100% healthy or not.
Quarterback Zach Lee will lead things on offense for the Cornhuskers. Lee has played well against teams from the Sun Belt Conference, but has not been impressive against teams from BCS conferences. Roy Helu Jr. leads the Nebraska rushing attack. Helu is a 1,000 yard rusher, but is streaky and you never know when he'll turn it on or when he'll lay an egg.
Against their 10 BCS opponents this season, the Nebraska offense has scored 20 or fewer points seven times. It may surprise some people to learn that Arizona ranks in the top 25 in total defense. I look for Arizona to focus its attention on stopping Helu, forcing Lee to beat them through the air.
Cornerbacks Trevin Wade and Devin Ross lead the Arizona secondary. Wade has picked off 5 passes this season, returning one for a touchdown, while Ross has broken up 11 throws.
Of course, these are the bowls and just about anything could happen. Some teams this postseason have seen their star offensive player shut down (Jacquizz Rodgers, the entire Nevada rushing game, Jerrod Johnson, Jacory Harris). Teams supposed to run away with a victory (Fresno State, Nevada, Ohio, Clemson, Texas A&M) have either lost or had difficulty securing the victory. We've even seen players previously unknown to a national audience showcase what they've got (Jordan Wynn, Robert Johnson, Kyle Padron, Lance Kendricks).
More than any other time in the season, emotions and desire play a key role in determining the winner. Zach Lee could walk out of the tunnel tonight in San Diego and throw for 500 yards and 7 touchdowns and it wouldn't surprise me all that much because it's bowl season. Ok, it would. - Danny Hobrock
Danny is a sports journalist who primarily covers college football and professional baseball. He is a contributor for several sports related blogs and is the former editor of a political and current events website.
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