Non-Big 12 Bowl Games Huskers Should Watch
5 comments so far
December 26, 2008 by
This year, the bowl season brings opportunities for both our 2008 and 2009 non conference strength of schedule to increase. Two 2008 opponents and three 2009 opponents are in bowl games this year. Here's a little preview of those teams' games.
Florida Atlantic (6-6) @ Central Michigan (8-4) » Motor City Bowl, Dec. 26, 8 p.m., ESPN » The Florida Atlantic Owls are on tap for the Huskers in 2009. This could be a tough game for them as the Chippewas average 427 yards/game, enough to make them 24th in the NCAA. FAU has the nation's second best tackler to match up against this high powered offense. Unfortunately both teams are allowing around 30 points/game, so there may not be much stopping anyone.
Central Michigan looks like they have the advantage on paper with a 15-11 vs 19-28 turnover margin, and a much better special teams set. But Owls coach Howard Schnellenberger may be remembered by Husker fans as the man who coached Miami to a 1983 Orange Bowl win over the Huskers and a National Championship. I still give the edge to the team that was able to hang within a touchdown against Ball State, Chippewas, 38-28.
Northern Illinois (6-6) @ Louisiana Tech (7-5) » Independence Bowl, Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m., ESPN » Although only 6-6, the Northern Illinois had a strong showing against highly regarded opponents. While they only averaged about 25 points/game and 334 yards/game, they held their opposition to 18 points/game and 303 yards/game. Lousiana Tech has similar offensive numbers, but allow 24 points/game and 379 yards/game.
Both teams run a very balanced, but rush-heavy attack. There's not really an edge when it comes to these numbers, and turnover margin is positive for both teams. Special teams has a slight edge going to the LA Tech Bulldogs as they have the number five punt returner in the nation. I don't think that will be enough to overcome the defense of the Huskies considering their schedule strength. NIU should win 27-20.
Rice (9-3) @ Western Michigan (9-3) » Texas Bowl, Dec. 30, 8 p.m., NFL Network » This could be one of those games that is determined by whoever holds the last possession or whoever is able to stop the opponent once or twice. The top two receivers for Rice average 101 and 102 yards/game. A Husker 2008 opponent, the Western Michigan Broncos spread it around a little more with their top four averaging 98, 62, 60, and 45 yards/game.
Both quarterbacks rank in the top 10 for yards. Rice is a little more balanced with the rushing attack, averaging 144 yards/game compared to WMU's 121. Rice, however has been unable to stop the run, allowing 192 rushing/game. Both defenses are surprisingly soft against the pass allowing 249 (WMU) and 273 (Rice) yards/game. Rice is the clear winner in the turnover battle (29-16 ratio) and points scored (41 points/game) so I'm going to have the give them the edge in this game, 45-35.
Cincinnati (11-2) @ Virginia Tech (9-4) » FedEx Orange Bowl, Jan. 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m., FOX » Virginia Tech has not had much luck in BCS bowl games, losing their last four. The Hokies are hoping to break that streak, but it will require some of their best efforts against a Cincinnati team that is being hyped to win this game. It should be a defensive battle from the start. Va. Tech is holding their opponents to 277 yards and 17 points/game, while Cinci is holding teams to 316 and 20. Offensively, the Bearcats can control the game if they don't turn the ball over more than a couple of times (they've lost it 26 times this year). VT will have to rely on their run game to come up with the W. The Big East should overcome the ACC in this one, Cincinnati 23-17.
Buffalo (8-5) @ Connecticut (7-5) » International Bowl, Jan. 3, 2009, Noon, ESPN2 » Ok, so the Huskers didn't play these teams last year and won't next year, but the way our fans follow the career of Turner Gill, it's probably one to watch. Offensively, Buffalo has the clear advantage with 31 points/game and 380 yards/game. On defense, Connecticut is impressive holding opponents to 19 points/game and 281 yards/game.
A couple of interesting notes: Buffalo leads the NCAA in fumbles recovered with 20 helping them to 8th in turnover margin in all of college football. Another fun fact that could help determine a game: Buffalo is number five in fourth down offense while Connecticut is number one in fourth down defense. Either the Bulls defense or the Huskies offense will have to do something in this game for it to be more than a coin flip. Gill has won where it counts in a big way so I give Buffalo the win 30-24.
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Dana Dec 26 08
I am a little confused why the Texas Bowl makes this list. Nebraska hasn't played Northern Illinois since the 90's, and last played La Tech in 06. Maybe you got Tech confused with Louisiana-Lafayette, the juggernaut that NU will be playing next season!
Anyway...looking forward to a Gator Bowl victory!
NU- 38
CU- 24
darren Dec 26 08
Honestly, you couldn't pay me to watch a couple of these games. I'll be sure to watch former opponent VT and Turner Gill's fighting Buffalo Bulls. FL Atlantic makes the cut b/c they are on NU's schedule next year. But, that's probably it.
tom Dec 26 08
Wow, the quality of this site goes downhill during the Christmas season. First Darren forget Missouri is in the Big 12 and I add LA Tech to our schedule in 2009. Nice. Remember kids, don't drink the "special" eggnog.
Might as well strike that one. Nobody should watch that game. Even if one of those teams were on our schedule, I am rescinding my recommendation. Fla. Atlantic is the only game on tonight, and they are on our schedule next year. Plus my wife's cousin is a Chippewah and it's my "shout out" to him.
darren Dec 26 08
Chippewah shout outs. Nice. They just scored late to make the game interesting.
I'm stunned by my willingness to watch these games. I would probably watch my eighth grade teams play if they pointed a camera at it.
hopefulhorn Dec 31 08
FWIW, FAU was Texas' season opening opponent this fall and was decent. The 52-10 score was mostly due to our advantages across both lines and WRT depth. Smith, their junior QB, was impressive with quick release, good arm strength and accuracy. He should get a look from the NFL when he graduates. The Owls also boasted a decent WR and running back. I suspect the Huskers will handle them, particularly in Lincoln. However, they will likely not be a pushover.