Nebraska, Michigan, Maryland, and Iowa Give the Big Ten a Third Chance. Vegas Big Ten Predictions for Week 4 Here.
Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 4
Game of the Week
Miami Hurricanes at No. 24 Nebraska Cornhuskers
Line: Nebraska by 7
Take a step back into the early 2000s or the 1980s for this one. These were two of the most dominant teams in college football from the 1970s to the mid-2000s. Both are now trying to prove they’re coming back after falling off the college football map in the mid-2000s, and for both programs and win Saturday would be a huge step forward in that process. A loss, meanwhile, would be a major setback. These are two very good teams that haven’t looked great so far since the season began, but that has a chance to change this weekend.
Miami’s passing game and Brad Kaaya finally found some rhythm against an underrated mid-major Arkansas State team, which should allow for some improvement in the running game. Duke Johnson is a great back who has had nowhere to run this year due to the lack of respect that teams have for the ‘Canes passing game, so for Miami to win, Kaaya will have to be consistent. That means not throwing so many interceptions and being much more accurate, two things he showed he could be last Saturday. The offense and Al Golden should still focus primarily on a strong running game, but they have to make sure Kaaya can make key passes when needed. On defense, the Hurricanes aren’t much of the problem if the offense can keep them off the field and allow them to rest some. Otherwise, their front seven could soften up a bit and give up lots of yards on the ground late in the game. Don’t forget that Bobby Petrino and Louisville stuck to the run game for a while against Miami and pulled out a comfortable victory, and the Hurricanes struggled in stopping the run against Arkansas State at times last week as well. They should be fine if the offense can move the ball, so the success of the team depends entirely on Kaaya’s ability to come through when asked. This is the biggest game the freshman has played in so far, so winning it could do a lot for his confidence going forward.
Nebraska, meanwhile, needs to play Nebraska football to win. So they haven’t played anybody significantly yet, and the almost lost to McNeese State. The Huskers still have shown that they have a very good offense when it’s focused, and against a Miami rush defense that can be suspect at times, they need to try to run it a lot with Ameer Abdullah. Mix him in with quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr.’s mobility, and this is a team that could gash the Hurricanes on the ground. Armstrong unfortunately is not very accurate through the air, but when it’s time to make the play he usually comes through. The most important thing is that he does enough to make Miami respect the passing game, but the rushing attack is what matters. Lots of read option plays need to be run this weekend, and if they’re executed properly, Nebraska should have no trouble running the ball down Miami’s throat. Then comes the defense. The Huskers obviously struggled to stop McNeese State at times, but otherwise they’ve looked pretty good. Bo Pelini needs to use his brilliant defensive mind to force Kaaya into continuing to make mistakes at quarterback. But otherwise they should sell out to stop Duke Johnson. Kaaya hasn’t proven yet that he can do anything against good defenses, so Nebraska should force him to beat them. If they mix that in with a few tricky schemes on obvious passing downs that creates turnovers, Miami’s offense will be rendered useless.
Prediction
Miami has a great team with lots of talent and will give the Huskers a frustrating time on defense. But Nebraska has a quarterback in an offense that can fit him perfectly, while Miami’s hasn’t settled in yet. Armstrong will set himself apart from Kaaya with his mobility as both struggle to throw the ball. Nebraska’s rushing attack is more loaded and will be the difference in the game, and the Cornhuskers will force Kaaya into making lots of mistakes. This will be old-school, blue-collar football at its best, with both teams trying to control the clock and move the ball. But the Hurricanes will have more mistakes, which will give Nebraska the victory at home. Don’t count out all of the Big Ten just yet.
Nebraska: 20 Miami: 17