RB Ameer Abdullah: Georgia’s Todd Gurley will receive most of the pregame hype,
but Abdullah has been one of the most productive running backs in college football. The
Associated Press All-American topped the 100-yard mark 10 times this year. Moreover,
the Cornhuskers have produced some of the top rushing offenses in college football
history, and Abdullah became just the fifth player in school history to hit the 1,500-yard
rushing mark at Nebraska. A mediocre game will surely mean a
Cornhuskers defeat.
QB Tommy Armstrong: Nebraska starting quarterback Taylor
Martinez got sidelined for eight games this season with a toe
injury. As a result, highly touted redshirt freshman Tommy
Armstrong got an opportunity, and he has made the most out of
it. He has thrown for 803 yards and ran for an additional 176. He
also delivered a signature drive on a big stage in Nebraska's 17-13 win at Michigan. It
has not all been smooth sailing for Armstrong, however. He has only completed 53
percent of his passes and has thrown as many interceptions (7) as touchdowns.
SS Corey Cooper: The Cornhuskers have experienced a dramatic turnaround on the
defensive side of the football over the second half of the season, and Corey Cooper is
one of the main reasons why. Cooper has been rock solid at the safety position and is
the team’s leading tackler entering the bowl game with 81 total tackles. The Bulldogs
are extremely balanced when healthy, and Cooper will need to have an impact in the
running game and the passing game.
DE Randy Gregory: The Huskers need to put pressure on Georgia quarterback Hutson
Mason early and often. The good news for Nebraska fans is that they have one of the
nation’s top pass-rushers. Gregory is leading the conference in sacks (9.5) and ranking
among the league leaders in tackles for loss (17). Moreover, he is improving every
week. He has had at least one sack in six of the season’s final seven games and had at
least one tackle for loss in each of the final 11 games.
CB Ciante Evans: The Cornhuskers cannot win the second edition of this game if they
don’t do a better job defending the pass this time around. Much of the pressure will fall
on the shoulders of Ciante Evans. He is currently tied for the team lead with four
interceptions. He also has five pass break-ups and 44 total tackles this season. Even
though two of their top wide receivers are out for the season, the Bulldogs are still
loaded at wide receiver and love to go three- and four-wide on offense.