This intriguing match-up features two traditional college football powerhouses, and many wish that this game would have occurred at the end of the 1997 season when these teams split the National Championship. But much has changed with these programs since that time. For one, Nebraska threw the ball more times than it ran the ball this season, which is a stark contrast from the Tom Osborn glory years.
But with all of the changes, this is still an interesting game. Can Michigan's suspect defense contain Nebraska's west-coast offense? Can Nebraska's defense contain the likes of Avant, Breaston, and Hart? Let's take a look at the match-ups below.
Michigan Offense vs. Nebraska Defense
Michigan will bring an offense into the game that has the ability to make big plays, but also control the ball and limit turnovers. Their offensive line is huge and has the ability to wear down a defense throughout the course of a game.
Below, we will focus on Michigan's passing game and what they like to do to get their receiver's open. Michigan succeeds through the air by taking receivers and tight ends deep and creating room for middle crossing routes. Avant and Breaston will line up on the same side of the field. The inside receiver runs a deep route up the middle which takes the safety with him and allows the outside receiver to make a square in route and make an easy reception with room to run. If Michigan's line is able to keep the pressure away long enough for these routes to develop, Michigan should have success through the air at this year's Alamo Bowl.
Nebraska Defense vs. Michigan Offense
In order for Nebraska to pull off the upset, their defense will have to come up with some turnovers to give their offense a short field and put the momentum of the game in their favor. To do that, Nebraska will have to be disciplined with their assignments and in recognizing misdirection plays and play-action passes quickly.
In the play below, Michigan will run a play-action pass, as they will do many times during the course of the game. Nebraska's defensive end Carriker is able to identify this quickly and adjust to put immediate pressure on Henne. Henne makes very few mistakes (he only has 7 INTs all season) but when he does make a mistake, he usually has quick pressure on him. Because of Carriker's pursuit, Henne makes a quick throw to the sidelines where Bowman jumps the route and makes the interception. This ability to read the offensive play quickly, and adjust to force Michigan to get out of their rhythem is a key to Nebraska limiting the Michigan offense and keeping Nebraska in the game.
Nebraska Offense vs. Michigan Defense
The key to the game for the Cornhuskers will be their ability to put up points on the Michigan defense. Michigan's offense is good enough to put up 25 or more points, so it will up to Nebraska's offense to match that output. Nebraska's offensive success will depend on the play of junior quarterback Zac Taylor. Michigan will try to put pressure on Taylor, but that is often when Taylor is at his best. Nebraska's West Coast Offense is designed to read defenses quickly and get the ball to the open man.
In the play below, Michigan brings a blitz and does a good job of covering up the receivers down the field. Taylor reads this and gets the ball to the most dangerous player on the field, which is Cory Ross. If Nebraska's line can keep the Michigan defense away just long enough, and if Taylor makes the appropriate reads, Nebraska will indeed put up some points and have a chance to knock off the Wolverines.
Michigan Defense vs. Nebraska Offense
For Michigan to win the Alamo Bowl, they do not have to pitch a shutout against the Cornhuskers. What they do have to do is not give up big plays, keep the play in front of them, and make good solid tackles.
Below, Nebraska tries to run some quick slants, which are covered well by the athletic Michigan secondary. Taylor then looks to Ross, but he is also well covered by the Nickel Back. Michigan's defensive line then is able to break through and force Taylor to throw the ball away.
If Michigan can keep the Nebraska offense in check and limit their ability to make big plays, the Wolverines should roll.
Final Analysis and Prediction
These two programs have coaches that are close to being on the hot seat and are eager to get a win to head into the 2006 season. Michigan has the better talent and will use that firepower to light up the scoreboard. Nebraska's offense will be able to move the ball on the Michigan defense, but in the end, the Wolverines will leave San Antonio victorious.
