Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington, Rife With Deja Vu.
By Ty Duffy
Nebraska travels to the Holiday Bowl for the second straight year, to play a team they already destroyed 56-21 on the road this season, after narrowly losing the Big 12 Title. Not surprisingly, fans have been unenthused. As of last Wednesday, Nebraska had sold less than 7,500 of their 11,000 allotment. The Cornhuskers had a 20,000 strong contingent at the initial Washington game in Seattle.
Enigma: Taylor Martinez, who doesn’t speak to the media, is the “strong but silent type.” He also enjoys off-color roses and long walks on the beach.
Seattle Massacre: Nebraska smoked Washington on the ground. Martinez, Helu and Birkhead ran for a combined 351 yards and six touchdowns on 42 carries.
Kiper Dandy: The defense held then Heisman hopeful and potential #1 pick Jake Locker to 4/20 passing for 71 yards and two interceptions. A lot of it was his own fault. Locker rebounded on the field. He gutted out close wins against USC and Oregon State. He led Washington to three straight wins to end the season. However, his reputation and his draft stock never recovered. Now, he has the chance to redeem himself.
For Washington to Win: Find some way to force Nebraska into passing downs. That’s what Nick Holt gets the big bucks for. They were 103rd against the run, so that doesn’t appear likely. They will also need to move Locker out of the pocket to negate Nebraska’s advantage up front and open up the field.
For Nebraska to Win: Execute. They have an overwhelming advantage on defense and on offense, with Taylor Martinez healthy. If they can muster some motivation and avoid turnovers, they should win.
Prediction: Washington won’t be shocked this time. They should be better, but not five touchdowns better.
[Photo via Getty]