Keys to the Game (Arizona)

With the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl just hours away, here's what the Huskers need to do to win their 2nd consecutive bowl game under Bo Pelini:

Nebraska needs to...
*Find an offense early.
Although it'd be nice to see the Huskers show a huge offensive explosion since that's all they've heard about the last month, it is unlikely. It is unlikely to be huge, but just some sort of offense early could keep the game out of reach. The defense has proved how great they can be, give them a lead to work with.

*Figure out there quarterback situation.
Both Lee and Green will play today. And after the game, the quarterback picture may be even more cloudy than when the game started. However, one of them has the prime opportunity to show they can lead this team in the future. Will it happen? In a few hours we'll know.

*Show their heart.
After a disappointing finish to the Big 12 Championship game, the Holiday Bowl doesn't seem like much to play for. However, this game can have a huge impact on exposure and recruiting. The Seniors need to finish strong and show their hearts for the future of this program.

Nebraska needs to control...
*The line of scrimmage.
Both sides of the ball need to dominate. The Husker D-Line shouldn't have too much of a problem, but Arizona has a powerful front 4 on defense. The Huskers need to show they can run early and set up a defense. That starts with the O-Line.

*The red zone.
Too many times this season have the Huskers drove the ball down and settled for a field goal. Against both VT and Texas, they had the defense to win the games, but couldn't score a single touchdown. If they expect to win now, or in the future, they need to get into the end zone, not through the uprights

*The turnovers.
Again, on both sides. Turnovers can kill an already struggling offense. However, turnovers can boost a struggling offense if you give them the short field to work their "magic." The Husker defense has shown they can take the ball away all year, so just keep it up.

Predictions
*Cody Green will score on the ground.
Sure, it may just be a 1 or 2 yard run. However, I think he will show something on his legs in this game. Hopefully, he will create a dual threat that haunts the Wildcats

*Cody Green will be the quarterback of the future after this game.
The race will still be tight after this game and into the offseason. However, Green has superior athletic skills and just needs an offseason with Pelini and Watson to show he's the quarterback of the new decade.

*Nebraska will win by 10 points.
The offense will click (at least a little bit) and the defense will dominate. The game will be pretty close, but not too much of a nail biter. Nothing like the Big 12 Championship. The Huskers win 24-14.