Gator Bowl Preview: Nebraska vs. Clemson

This is a game between two teams that surged at the end of the year. Clemson,Before the Alabama beat down, looked to contend with the nations elite. Clemson boasted the nations best incoming recruiting class and James Davis and C.J. Spiller the best tailback tandem tandem in the country and a stingy defense.

Alas, things did not go Clemson's way as the Tiger's season started 3-4 and head coach Tommy Bowden was shown the door. Enter Dabo Swinney who led the Tigers to victories in 4 of their last 5 games. This performance by the Tigers led to the interim tag next to Swinney's name being removed and he will return to Clemson next year as head coach.

Nebraska on the other hand really has had a good year under first-year coach Bo Pelini. Nebraska, in its first season under Pelini, finds itself in the Gator Bowl for the first time. This will be the Cornhuskers' 45th bowl appearance. Although defense is Pelini's calling card, Nebraska averaged 36.2 points a game behind the arm of underrated Joe Ganz and the pass catching abilities of Nate Swift. Moreover, Swift has the best name for a wide receiver I've seen in some time. The emergence of Roy Helu at tailback has been critical for the Huskers, whom along with Marlon Lucky also at tailback, helped the Huskers lead the country in time of possession. This took the pressure off the Blackshirt defense and allowed the Huskers to beat who they were supposed to beat and hang in the big games besides being walloped by Oklahoma.

It is not yet know whom Clemson will start at QB Willie Korn or Cullen Harper. Korn is recovering from shoulder surgery during the break, therefore Clemson has yet to name a starter.

I really believe that these are two teams that are primed and ready to have break-out years in 2009. Clemson is used to the hype and if Nebraska can find a quarterback they will have a break out year as Roy Helu is one of the brightest young tailbacks in the country.

This will be a battle of who can establish a running game and which defense can force the issue as both are pretty good. The problems for Clemson at QB and great Nebraska pass defense lead me to believe that Nebraska will emerge the victor in what should be a very entertaining game. Look for Joe Ganz and steadily improving Nebraska offense to be consistent and deliver a victory to the Husker faithful. I'll take the Huskers 35-24 in a good game.

Peace,

Pirate Linus