Well the last time Michigan did not play in January Bowl, they went to San Antonio and were beat by a "Wrecking Crew" defense and a place kicker that won the game's MVP award. That was 10 years ago against Texas A&M. This year Michigan meets up-start Nebraska who is trying to cap a surprising season with a win in the Alamo Bowl.

The two teams took very different paths to the December 28th match-up, and identical 7-4 records. Michigan entered the season ranked as high as number four in some pre-season polls. But by the end of week two the Wolverines had already suffered their first loss of the season, and would suffer two more losses by the end of week six, much to the chagrin of BlueFan. Nebraska pulled out of a scheduled road match-up with the Houston Cougars to open the season. Seemingly in fear that an opening-game loss on the road would shake the fragile psyche of a team that went 5-6 in 2004, Nebraska instead scrimmaged with Division 1-AA Maine in Lincoln. Although Nebraska won their first four games of the season, the team didn't dominate in the early season tune-ups the way they had hoped. By mid-season, Michigan had seemingly rounded into form with big wins in East Lansing and at home versus Penn State. The Huskers struggled through the middle of their schedule, and, if not for a one-game respite versus perennial Big XII doormat Baylor, would have lost four straight. By season's end, however, Nebraska had manhandled Big XII North rival Colorado in Boulder, and the Wolverines added to the frustration of an early season loss to Notre Dame with a bitter loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

So which teams will show up in San Antonio? Will it be the new Cornhuskers whose fans are convinced have turned the corner, versus Big Blue? Or will it be a battle of inconsistency between two teams that were all too familiar with that word at times during the season? After not winning enough games in his first season to become bowl-eligible, second-year coach Bill Callahan should have his Huskers ready to play. BlueFan is convinced this game is simply a matter of gameplan. If Terry Malone allows the talent of his Michigan offense to shine, this one will be over early. If Michigan pounds the ball up the middle and throws too many short-yardage passes, Nebraska could hang around until the final whistle. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Jim Herrmann will need to coach for 60 minutes. Too many times during the 2005 season Herrmann asked his players to fall into a prevent zone defense which hurt the Wolverines six times throughout the season. Three times resulting in loses for UM and many gnashed BlueFan teeth.

It's no secret that Nebraska's win over Colorado will be used as a rallying point in their preparation for the Alamo Bowl. Looking more closely at Colorado tells a bit of a different story, however. Not only did the Buffaloes close the season with three loses, but BlueFan watched the 30-3 contest and saw Colorado fail to do anything and everything. Nebraska was stout against the run and made plays when they needed to, but Colorado constantly committed mental errors and were assessed 10 penalties for 105 yards. Not necessarily the hallmark of a focused squad. Give Big Red credit for capitalizing on these mistakes. The Huskers moved the ball effectively by keeping CU off-balance with a lot of screens to 5-6, 195 lbs RB Cory Ross. Ross is Nebraska's leading rusher, but he also catches a lot of balls out of the backfield. NU Quarterback Zac Taylor has shown the presence of mind to scramble and make plays when hurried. Both will be important for Herrmann to defend.

Michigan's four losses came by a total of 17 points. This means the good guys kept things very close. Looking further, though, one will see that UM led in the fourth quarter in three of the four games. BlueFan wants to see Terry Malone call aggressive plays that will put the game out of reach by the fourth quarter. This means more creative playcalling than the obligatory reverse and direct snap to WR Antonio Bass in big games. Imagine the irony if Blue gashed the Nebraska defense on a few option plays with Bass and Steve Breaston in the backfield. The flea flicker worked against Wisconsin and will against Nebraska if the safeties are playing aggressively.  Utilizing the diamond formation will also give the NU secondary fits. 

BlueFan has been told that the Huskers' front four on defense love to get to the quarterback. If the film shows this to be true, Malone should really work with Chad Henne to be patient in setting up screens before throwing to his backs. The Wolverines have been inconsistent with screens all year, but RB Kevin Grady has caught the ball out of the backfield with some success. 

The health of many key Wolverine offensive players is in question, including linemen Jake Long and Leo Henige, and the heart and soul of the Michigan O, Mike Hart. The personnel available for the 28th will most assuredly affect the gameplan. 

The Huskers have had trouble when their running game has been shut down. Removing the Huskers loss to Texas Tech where they rushed for 135 yards, Nebraska averaged less than 12 yards per game on the ground in their three other losses. 

Other than an overly-conservative approach on both sides of the ball in their four losses, there is no other indicator as to shutting down the Wolverine offense and exploiting their defense. If NU can get to Henne and keep the Wolverines’ running game in check, they have a puncher’s chance. 

Bluefan can’t wait to get this one underway. He has enough trouble making it from Saturday to Saturday in the fall. Nearly three weeks is too long, but the dinged up Wolverines could use the time to get healed. Apparently, UM will be the road team and wear the white jerseys. BlueFan will be wearing his white Steve Breaston jersey and watching his team ice this game by late in the third quarter. The players, coaches and fans need this one to build on for next year.

Tale of the Tape

                                         Michigan             Nebraska

Total Yards                     382.8 / game        320.5 / game

Rushing                            164.5 /game          91.0 / game

Passing                            218.4 / game        229.5 / game

Turnover Ratio                   +.5 / game         - 0.3 / game

Total Yards Against        347.6 / game        326.0 / game

Rushing Against              136.1 / game        123.7 / game

Passing Against                211.5 / game       202.3 / game

GO BLUE!