Holiday Bowl 2010: 10 Things To Know About Nebraska
So, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are in the Holiday Bowl.
Three years ago, that would have been reason to celebrate, now it just annoys Huskers fans.
Well, at least that's a sign of progress...I think.
If you plan on traveling to San Diego to watch the Huskers take on the Washington Huskies, or if you just plan on watching it on television, here are 10 things to keep in mind.
10. Jared Crick and the Defensive Line
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Despite head coach Bo Pelini's declaration that the Huskers defense would not suffer from the loss of Ndamukong Suh, as the season has progressed it has become obvious that it has.
However, a strong secondary has kept people from noticing a weakness on the defensive line.
The Huskers are ranked 49th in the nation in rush defense, and have had trouble creating pressure on the quarterback.
In no game was this more apparent than in last week's performance against Oklahoma. Landry Jones often spent several seconds in the pocket before throwing.
If the Huskers allow Jake Locker time in the pocket, then this game could get interesting.
9. Eric Hagg
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Eric Hagg has proven himself to be a ball-hawk this year, much the way Matt O'Hanlon was last year.
His five interceptions are the most on the team, and he has a forced fumble to go along with them.
However, Hagg has shown a big weakness.
He has problems getting his head turned around in one-on-one coverage, permitting many opponents' big passing plays to come at his expense.
Jake Locker is the type of quarterback who can take advantage of that.
8. Joe Broekemeier
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Unless you've been watching the Huskers closely, you will have no idea who Joe Broekemeier is.
He has only played in the 'Skers last two games and caught just six passes.
Before the game against Colorado, Broekemeier hadn't played in a football game in eight years.
That's because he was one of the Huskers most promising pitchers, until an injury cut his career short.
Instead of giving up sports, he put on pads and a helmet and started catching passes.
If Niles Paul can't go in the Holiday Bowl, expect to see more of Broekemeier.The Huskers seem to love targeting him on third down because of his sure hands.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Kyler Reed
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Who would have guessed at the beginning of the year that Kyler Reed would be one of the Huskers' most dangerous scoring threats?
I know I wouldn't have.
Reed has seven touchdowns on the year on just 20 receptions. In those receptions, he has also shown that he has some of the surest hands on the team.
Expect the Huskers to look to Reed increasingly in the Holiday Bowl and in the 2011 season.
6. Bo Pelini
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Ever since Coach Pelini was caught in rampage mode by ESPN cameras, he has been on his best behavior.
The ABC cameras tried desperately to get him reacting in an angry manner to calls against Colorado, but it just wasn't going to happen.
Against Oklahoma, there wasn't much to complain about. The referees called their most balanced game of the year and, if anything, it was even a little in favor of the Huskers.
More than likely, Coach Pelini will maintain his calm-mannered approached against the Huskies, but be sure that the cameras will be on him during every controversial call.
5. Prince Amukamara
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Would you believe that Amukamara hasn't had an interception all year?
Regardless, he is still being regarded as a top five draft pick.
That's because teams simply don't throw his way. Amukamara is capable of single-handedly shutting down a team's best receiver.
The Huskers secondary wouldn't be what it is without him.
4. Alfonzo Dennard
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Because of Amukamara's domination, teams have been forced to throw Dennard's way.
And when they have, Dennard has been incredible.
He has picked off four passes, and returned one for a touchdown.
However, it has appeared that Dennard has been slowed by an injury in recent weeks.
The break before the Holiday Bowl should give him time to recover.
3. Taylor Martinez
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Oh, how things have changed since the last time the Huskers played the the Huskies.
Then, Martinez was a Heisman candidate who Huskers fans were comparing to Eric Crouch. A national championship wasn't out of the discussion.
Now, rumors are swirling that Martinez may transfer at season's end, and he hasn't played well in weeks.
It is true that he was injured, but his struggles go beyond that.
Without Martinez playing well, will the Huskers be able to throttle the Huskies once again?
2. Alex Henery
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Alex Henery may have been the Huskers' best player this season.
If not the best, at least the most consistent.
Henery is Mr. Automatic for the Huskers, and almost always helps them win the field position battle with his perfect punts.
Hopefully the game doesn't come to Henery making kicks, but if it does, feel safe with his leg.
1. Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu
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The last time these two backs played the Huskies, they both went for 100-plus yards.
With the Huskers pass game faltering, these two need to have big games to ensure another Huskers victory.
Helu has been quiet since going for 300-plus yards against Missouri, while Burkhead has been running the Huskers version of the Wildcat to near perfection.
Expect them both to get plenty of carries.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
