Keys to the Game (Texas)

Mel Kiper, Jr. gave Nebraska a 5% chance of winning, and McShay gave them just 1% of a chance.  Everyone in the sports world has Texas in the BCS Championship game vs. Florida/Alabama.  However, the Cornhuskers aren't going to just roll over and give Texas the National Championship berth.  Here are the keys to the game, if Nebraska expects to pull out an upset:

Nebraska needs to...

*Minimize every mistake.

No turnovers, no missed opportunities (red zone TDs, field goals, takeaways).  I don't want to look back on the game on think "What if"

*Play loose.

Although they need to play better than they have all season, Nebraska cannot tighten up.  They are the underdogs, relish that.  If the Huskers come out loose and play how they know they can, they've got a shot.

*Establish a run.

Texas has had a phenomenal run defense (minus last week vs. Texas A&M).  The 'Horns will probably make Zac Lee beat them in the air, but in order for Lee to do this, Helu, Jr. and Burkhead need to get some tough yards early on.

Nebraska needs to control...

*Field position.

Alex Henery is as good as anyone at putting the ball inside the opponent's 10-yard line.  If Texas' offense has to consistently go 90+ yards to get 6 points, the Husker D will be able to force some punts and turnovers.

*Jordan Shipley.

By far Texas' biggest threat.  Colt McCoy can beat the Huskers but Shipley can outrun and outjuke everyone.  Make the other Longhorns beat Nebraska and minimize Shipley's touches/opportunities

*The clock.

Shorten the game.  Nebraska needs to get first downs and the keep the chains moving.  This will allow Texas' offense to watch a lot of the game, rather than scoring a bunch.  Nebraska's offense hasn't been able to put up points against Big 12 teams, so they need to minimize the opponent's offensive production

Predictions

*McCoy will throw an INT in the first half.

This is key to Nebraska's chances.  If McCoy can make a mistake or two early, the Huskers need to capitalize.

*Niles Paul will make a play.

Look for a long gain, long return, or touchdown from Nebraska's biggest playmaker.  If their is a player other than the RBs that can burn Texas, it's Paul.

*The game will be close.

I'm not going to put a score on the game, or even a winner.  Nebraska is playing for everything, which gives them a psychological edge.  The game will be a lot closer than anybody expects.