Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Miami Hurricanes Complete Game Preview

Nebraska and Miami last met each other in the regular season in 1976. That doesn't mean these two programs haven't seen each other plenty of times between then and now.

Instead, the Huskers and Hurricanes became accustomed to meeting in the postseason. The last time the two met was the 2002 Rose Bowl, where Miami won 37-14. Hurricane quarterback Ken Dorsey led a big charge against the Huskers and Heisman winner Eric Crouch.

Twelve years later, the two finally meet again. The all-time series is tied at 5-5, making this matchup more interesting than ever. Adding fuel to the fire, Nebraska is 3-0 against Miami in Lincoln, per Huskers.com.

It's hard to believe that these two programs have only met a total of 10 times. Despite so much time in between, it's clear both are anxious to meet once again.

Will the Huskers come away victorious in this final nonconference matchup for the season?

Where: Memorial Stadium; Lincoln, Nebraska

When: Saturday, September 20, at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2

Listen: Husker Sports Network or Sirius Channel 113, XM 196

Betting Line via Odds Shark: Nebraska (25-2)

Nebraska's Keys to Victory

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1. Hold the (Offensive) Line

Miami's defense is going to need to be a main focus for the Huskers. It's a defense that will prevent a player like Ameer Abdullah from running as much as he wants.

Per SportsChatPlace.com, Miami has forced six turnovers and has had 11 sacks this season. The defense is also only allowing 261.3 yards per game.

Abdullah is ready for the challenge though, per Huskers.com:

"

They have big guys up front who are very strong and very active. They run to the ball and swarm. That’s what makes a good defense, you know, when they have one guy wrapped up and you can see the rest of the defense swarming. Their safeties aren’t afraid to come up and smack you. They like to talk and jump around, which I love. That makes the game of football more fun. But games like this, I thrive for.

"

While he may be ready, the Nebraska offensive line is going to need to step up big, too. Failure to hold the line could put the Huskers in position to turn the ball over. And knowing Nebraska, too many turnovers can turn a game that should be won into one that can't be won.

2. Prepare to Pass

Everyone wants Ameer Abdullah to run the football. That's not a secret at this point. However, it might not be the best game plan to just expect him to run it over and over again against Miami.

After all, the Hurricanes have the No. 15 rush defense in the country. What that means is quarterback Tommy Armstrong needs to be ready to pass the ball. After the show the Nebraska wide receivers put on against Fresno State, that shouldn't be an issue.

At this point, it's clear that Jordan Westerkamp will do just about anything to catch the football. However, he's not the only one shining. Whether the ball goes to Westerkamp, Kenny Bell or one of the wide receivers, that should make things more difficult for the Miami defense to defend.

3. Stand Up and Shout

There isn't much better than a night game at Memorial Stadium. It's an environment that can do wonders for the home team.

The biggest crowd Miami has faced this season was against Louisville, which was 55,428. Memorial Stadium has almost an additional 40,000 fans to top that.

Nebraska is 3-0 at home against Miami during the regular season. There is no reason it can't be 4-0, especially with a loud stadium. Fans need to be prepared to stand up and shout, because the Huskers could use the extra help.

Miami's Keys to Victory

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1. Stop Ameer Abdullah

Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Actually, Miami knows what they're up against with I-back Ameer Abdullah, and it isn't going to be easy. However, the Hurricanes do have a pretty strong front seven.

In fact, Miami's defense is only allowing roughly three yards per carry, per the Lincoln Journal Star. That statistic can absolutely be used to the Hurricanes' benefit.

Stopping Abdullah will be key. If Miami fails to do that, the I-back will run all over them.

2. Convert on Third Down

This is something Al Golden knows the Hurricanes need to work on before facing Nebraska. Per the Miami Herald, the Canes were 5-of-12 against Arkansas State on third-down conversions. Considering the Huskers currently rank 13th in third-down conversion defense, that's going to be something to pay attention to.

“Just what I’ve seen of Nebraska, they’re an excellent football team in all three phases, and third down is no exception," Golden said, per the Miami Herald.

Expect Golden and the Hurricanes to put in extra work this week when it comes to third-down conversions. The team will likely also focus on Randy Gregory as a result.

After all, Gregory's return will make things even more challenging for Miami. Nebraska cornerback Josh Mitchell noted just how versatile Gregory is, something that will challenge the Hurricanes on offense.

"When you have an athlete that is as versatile as Randy Gregory you move him around," Mitchell said, per Huskers.com. "You don’t just put him in one place and let offenses scheme on him and double team him.”

Failure to prepare for Gregory, as well as all of Nebraska's front seven, could result in failures to convert on third down.

3. Tune Out the Crowd

It's no secret that Nebraska fans are going to be pretty pumped up for this matchup. Despite most previous meetings happening in the postseason, the two programs have a strong history with one another.

A part of that history is the fact that Nebraska leads Miami 3-0 at home. Almost 40 years have passed since the two last met in the regular season, but it's a fact that Husker fans will hold on to.

As a result, Nebraska fans could (and should) be loud. The Hurricanes will have to adjust to the 90,000-plus crowd at night. Not doing so could make things go south quickly for Miami.

Nebraska Players to Watch

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Ameer Abdullah (RB, Senior)

At this point, all eyes are on Ameer Abdullah, regardless of opponent. After all, the senior has rushed for 396 yards in just three games, per Steven M. Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star.

As a result, there's little doubt that the Miami defense isn't preparing for Abdullah. However, the senior is confident in the support he'll have in front of him.

"We're up for a great challenge," Abdullah said, per Sipple. "Like I said before, up front, if we play technique and with good fundamentals, we should have a pretty good day running the football."

At this point it's not a matter of if Abdullah gets yards against Miami. The question is now how many yards he will get. That's what makes him the player to watch for both programs.

Tommy Armstrong (QB, Sophomore)

Tommy Armstrong wasn't afraid to hurdle defenders against Fresno State. In fact, the quarterback made everyone, including head coach Bo Pelini nervous, by doing so.

"I wish he wouldn’t try to hurdle guys," Pelini said, per Huskers.com. "That makes me nervous when I see him coming down on his right shoulder."

Pelini also made it clear that fans shouldn't expect to see that again for awhile. "I’m not going to say 100 percent because I can’t control everything, but I don’t think you’re going to be seeing that again anytime soon."

Regardless, what Armstrong's hurdles show is that the sophomore is finding his physicality. He wants to make the big plays when he can, and he's not afraid to do what he has to do to make it happen.

Abdullah, unlike Pelini, doesn't see a problem, per Huskers.com. "He tried to hurdle one guy who was standing straight up. I guess he was just trying to make top 10 plays or whatever, and I’m all for trying to make the top 10. I guess that’s cool."

A lot will be determined for Armstrong against Miami. If the quarterback can stay calm under pressure and remain physical (without hurting himself), it could be a big game for the sophomore.

Miami Players to Watch

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Brad Kaaya (QB, Freshman)

Brad Kaaya is a true freshman, which has shown at times this season. Nebraska's Tommy Armstrong understands what Kaaya is up against.

"It’s tough," Armstrong said, per Huskers.com. "I played against our defense as a redshirt freshman and it’s hard to get thrown out there, coming from high school."

But that's exactly what Kaaya is going to have to do, regardless of how tough it might be. To date, he's completed 45 of 75 passes and thrown seven touchdowns, per Sports-Reference.com. On the other hand, he's also thrown five interceptions.

Kaaya will be a fascinating player to watch because his inexperience will either show immediately or the true freshman is going to step up big when it matters most.

Duke Johnson (RB, Junior)

Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against Florida State in 2013, running back Duke Johnson was averaging 174.1 all-purpose yards, per HurricaneSports.com. Now fully healthy, Johnson plans to be as much of a threat as he had been before his injury.

Through three games, Johnson has 277 yards on 43 attempts. He also has recorded two touchdowns. The Nebraska defensive line is going to have to be ready for Johnson. He'll definitely put the Blackshirts to the test.

What They're Saying

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All quotes obtained via the Huskers' Sept. 15 press conference, unless otherwise noted.

Head Coach Bo Pelini

On preparing for Miami after defeating Fresno State:

"

We don’t approach it any differently no matter who we play. We need to have a great week of preparation to get ready for this football team. Like I said before, whether you’re playing McNeese, Miami or anyone else, it’s how you approach it during the week. What your focus is, what your mindset is going into the game. Playing a team with the tradition that Miami has and the talent that they have on their football team. I’m sure it will get our guys’ attention.

"

On the status of injuries:

"

Burtch is back. Kevin Williams is fine. Who else did you mention? Sterup is OK. He was just a little sore. His knee got a little stiff. Reilly is just day-to-day. We’re hoping he’s back to practice tomorrow.

"

When asked whether or not he would have gone for two in the 1984 Orange Bowl, like Tom Osborne, he said, "Yeah, I would have."

On whether or not Armstrong should play it safe:

"

I wish he wouldn’t try to hurdle guys. That makes me nervous when I see him coming down on his right shoulder. I’m not going to say 100 percent because I can’t control everything, but I don’t think you’re going to be seeing that again anytime soon. But he runs hard. I think he’s smart about when to and when not to. And that’s a part of growing. He’s a competitor. He’s a competitive guy that has some physicality to him. But there’s a time to and a time to go ahead and take a slide.

"

On the improvement on special teams:

"

I think that we’ve changed up some things philosophically. Like I said, we studied it pretty hard in the offseason. I think our guys have a pretty good understanding of it, and we’re executing it pretty well.

"

I-back Ameer Abdullah

On how he's recovering from the timezone change:

"

A little tired. I’m sure it’ll hit me later today. I’m going to use my day off pretty wisely. I’m probably going to go to sleep after this, catch a bite to eat, then take a nap.  Just get my body back up to central timing.

"

On Armstrong's hurdles:

"

He seems like he has it down pat. He has to get his timing down a little better. He tried to hurdle one guy who was standing straight up. I guess he was just trying to make top 10 plays or whatever, and I’m all for trying to make the top 10. I guess that’s cool.

"

On Miami's defense:

"

They have big guys up front who are very strong and very active. They run to the ball and swarm. That’s what makes a good defense, you know, when they have one guy wrapped up and you can see the rest of the defense swarming. Their safeties aren’t afraid to come up and smack you. They like to talk and jump around, which I love. That makes the game of football more fun. But games like this, I thrive for.

"

When asked about passing former teammate Rex Burkhead on Nebraska's career rushing list, he said, "Rex (Burkhead) was a great back here, a great leader, a great man. To pass him up on a list is a big deal for me."

Quarterback Tommy Armstrong

On his performance so far:

"

I would give myself a C. I’m just not all the way there. I’ve had some plays I’ve left on the field, just not making right reads. I need to make sure I’m all the way there during games and not just zoning in on one person.

"

When asked about preparing for Miami, he said, "When we prepare the right way we are dangerous. We know it and the coaches know it. I don’t think anybody can stop us and that’s just a fact."

On his physicality:

"

I want to make sure that I make a statement. I want to get hard yardage. I call our group the throwing running backs because we need to be physical and get yards and sometimes they want us to run on third-and-eight or third-and-nine and we have to make sure that we can get those yards and get that down. So we have to make sure we can be physical.

"

Prediction

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It's been a long time since Nebraska and Miami met. The last time the two met was in 2002, and the Hurricanes won the national championship as a result. Twelve years later, times have changed.

Hurricane head coach Al Golden has his concerns about Nebraska. As he told the Miami Herald, there's a lot of evaluating that needs to be done.

I have a lot of concerns about Nebraska,” Golden said. “But I’m just trying to get through [Sunday] in terms of all three phases evaluating where we are and examining each position to see if there are any personnel things we want to change around and then we’ll move on to Nebraska."

In addition to making adjustments to play the Huskers, Miami is also working with a true freshman at quarterback. Going up against a player like Nebraska's Randy Gregory is going to be of concern for Brad Kaaya, which is likely on Golden's list to examine.

The Huskers are not a perfect team. However, after a big wake-up call from McNeese State, Nebraska is ready to get to conference play undefeated.

Listening to Ameer Abdullah speak over the past couple of weeks, expect the captain to motivate the Huskers to a big win. If the Huskers prepare appropriately (and it sounds like they are), Nebraska will be undefeated in nonconference play for the first time since 2011.

Prediction: 37-17 Nebraska

For complete team coverage and everything Huskers, you can follow Erin on Twitter at @erinsorensen.