Miami vs. Nebraska Free Pick – NCAA College Football Week 4

Tony George has your Saturday NCAA Free Pick on the Miami vs. Nebraska game.  Visit Tony George’s sports handicapping site here today.

Courtesy of Tony George Sports

Miami @ Nebraska -7.5

Two storied programs who dominated the 80” and 90’s and faced off in the 2001 Rose Bowl for the National Title square off in Lincoln Nebraska for a night game on national TV Saturday Night.  The Huskers last home game was a scare from McNeese State but they bounced back nicely with a blowout road win at Fresno State, my Game of the Year Winner last week, with a 55-19 waxing of the Bulldogs as a 12 point favorite. 

There are numerous keys in this game, but one thing is for sure, you will see 2 quality running backs getting the rock in this one, Duke Johnson for the Canes who has yet to live up to full potential, and all world Ameer Abdullah for Nebraska who is a Heisman hopeful.  At days end a real key for NU is their aggressive defensive line and getting back All American DE Randy Gregory in this one, is a big advantage for Nebraska as Bo Pelini will send numerous blitz’s at Miami’s frosh QB Kaaya all night in passing situations.  A frosh QB in only his second road start in a rare night game in Lincoln is not a positive for the Canes, who had one other night game on National TV, where Louisville pounded them 31-13 and the game was never in doubt.   

Nebraska’s defense is a step down from Louisville’s overall in my opinion but better than advertised too, but it is the Husker running game and 3 headed monster with Abdullah, Cross and Newby, which is the best trifecta in the nation at running it including Georgia.  Husker QB Armstrong Jr. (who is a dual threat) has 2 weapons at WR in Westerkamp and Kenny Bell, who is one of the best receivers in the Big 10 not to mention both WR’s are huge special teams threats and both already have TD’s on special teams this year.  Nebraska’s ability to balance their offense is key here, and while Miami had had Florida AM and Arkansas State to warm up for this one, the Huskers at home are a big step up and are too much for the young QB and suspect defense.  

Al Golden will have his team ready, there are just too many mis-matches in NU’s favor here including a home field worth 4 points, and there is no love lost at Nebraska for Miami who used to pummel them in big games for years, so expect a near riot atmosphere in Lincoln Saturday Night, and I personally will be one of those fans.

Huskers 31  Canes 20  - GO BIG RED!