Miami @ No. 24 Nebraska (-8) TV: ESPN2 8:00pm Saturday
Daniel: I would’ve been really excited about this game in 2002 or so, but these teams have been pretty “blah” this year. The most intriguing part of the matchup is Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah going against a Miami rush defense that allows just over 2.0 yards per carry by opposing backs. This game is a little bit like UCLA-Texas last week in that I’m not particularly impressed by either team, but I have to pick one. I’ll take Nebraska at home, but if the ‘Huskers play like they did against McNeese State a couple weeks ago, there’s no doubt that Miami could pull off the road upset. Winner: Nebraska 27-21
Houston: Miami and true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya get their second road test of the season this weekend as the Hurricanes travel to Lincoln Nebraska to take on the Huskers. Kaaya’s first road game of the season didn’t go so well on opening week as Miami travelled to Louisville and fell to the Cardinals 31-13. Kaaya went 17-of-29 for 174 yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions in that game. As good as he has looked at home so far this season, the atmosphere in Lincoln on Saturday should be a good one and with the prediction of rain in the forecast, Kaaya could be in for a long night. Nebraska rides the legs of Ameer Abdullah AND Tommy Armstrong Jr. to send Miami home a 2-2 team Winner: Nebraska 34-20
Reed: This is just a brutal matchup between two underachieving coaches. Miami will have a taint edge in this one, but starting a freshman QB on the road is not a great recipe for success – I was burned by that when I picked them to upset Louisville earlier this year. The Hurricanes have improved, though, and Nebraska always seems like they’re a play or two away from coming completely unraveled the past few years. But I’m counting on the Husker defense to shut down what should be a largely one-dimensional Miami offense and for Ameer Abdullah to have a big game. I’m also believing the Huskers aren’t as bad as they looked against McNeese State… Winner: Nebraska 34-21
Patrick: Two proud programs who are hoping for a return to the Glory Days and the team who wins this one will have some momentum as they begin their conference schedules. Nebraska is undefeated and has looked great in two of their games and looked rather ordinary in their game vs. McNeese State when they needed Ameer Abdullah to save them from overtime against the FCS opponent.
I think this game is decided by the team that can pass the ball the best, because both will be able to run the ball. And it will be a good battle between Abdullah and Miami’s Duke Johnson who has had at least 90 yards rushing in each game this year. The Huskers have the nation’s No. 50 rushing defense while the Hurricanes have the No. 15 unit led by Denzel Perryman, one of the best linebackers in the nation.
Brad Kaaya is coming off a four-touchdown performance against Arkansas State, but I like Tommy Armstrong Jr who has the running element and the benefit of the home crowd behind him to serve as the tie-breaker in this game. Plus, Nebraska really needs this win to save some face for the Big Ten who has been destroyed by schools in the Power 5 to start the season and their national perception is as bad as it has been in years. Winner: Nebraska 24-23
