Gator Bowl: The Georgia-Nebraska sequel isn’t as exciting as the original
TAXSLAYER.com Gator Bowl
Nebraska vs. Georgia
Jacksonville, Fla.
Jan. 1, 2014
A year ago, the bowl matchup between Georgia and Nebraska was one of the most anticipated contests of the postseason. This year, not so much.
Both of these teams are 8-4 and fell far short of expectations. The quarterbacks that were supposed to be the highlight of their teams won’t even be playing. Georgia’s Aaron Murray suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 23 against Kentucky and Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez has missed much of the season with various injuries.
So, running backs will take center stage.
Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah is seventh in nation with 130.7 yards per game and had more than 100 yards in all but two games.
Todd Gurley, who is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and 138.6 yards per game, leads Georgia’s attack and is also one of the best running backs in the country.
Georgia’s offense has been something to behold during the last quarter of the season. It has scored 183 points in the final four games, including 41 in the regular season finale against Georgia Tech in an offense led by Hutson Mason, who will be the starter on Thursday,
MASCOT FIGHT
In a tussle between a guy in red overalls and a squatty dog, the advantage would have to go to the guy in the overalls because he’s probably wielding a scythe. Have you ever seen Children of the Corn? That’s one freaky movie.
PREDICTIONS
Graham: Georgia 42, Nebraska 24. Nebraska has had a lot of close and dramatic games this season – this won’t be one of them. Georgia will get up big on the Huskers and never relent. And the legend of Hutson Mason will be born.
Nick: Georgia 30, Nebraska 20. It's the battle of two coaches who seem to be sitting on a seat that is warm. With Aaron Murray, Georgia is a convincing pick. With Hutson Mason at quarterback, Georgia gets a late score to make it a two-possession game.
Sam: Georgia 31, Nebraska 27. Even though Georgia won’t have Aaron Murray, the Bulldogs still have a bevy of weapons on offense – especially running back Todd Gurley. Nebraska counters at running back with the underrated Ameer Abdullah. Both will have big days. This will be a close one, but I like Hutson Mason to lead a late game touchdown drive to pull out a win.
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is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday
