DG on PX - Picking the Holiday Bowl

The last time Nebraska's mammoth Ndamukong Suh was in action, he almost single-handedly derailed the BCS. Can quarterback Nick Foles and Arizona keep the big man from wreaking havoc again?

Year to date - 60-20 straight up, 40-38 against the spread
3-1 straight up and against the spread this bowl season

Holiday Bowl
Arizona vs. Nebraska
My Pick – Arizona 17, Nebraska 13
Why I’m Thinking the Way I’m Thinking – First one to 21 wins? 14? 3? Points will certainly be at a premium when the Blackshirts led by Heisman finalist Ndamukong Sun and ‘Cats no-name defense are in the same stadium. Nebraska allowed 20 points just once this season – to Colorado of all teams – and finished third nationally in sacks per game. Arizona alternated between wild shootouts – Oregon and Stanford, most notably – and grind it out affairs, but should be ready for either style with QB Nick Foles (non-throwing hand) and RB Nic Grigsby (shoulder) healthy. Turnovers usually decide the game, but Nebraska’s limited offensive repertoire expands the margin for error. If the Wildcats score touchdowns, they win. Prevent Suh from repeating his remarkable Big 12 title game performance, they win.
What It Means for 2010 – The Arizona defense loses seven starters from Mike Stoops’ most successful team to date, but the return of Foles will offset those growing pains. Working through the next nine months as the established starter will allow the necessary week-to-week consistency to develop. If not for two last-second losses, the Cats would have be in the Rose Bowl for the first time. This is a program moving in the right direction and should expect to reach Pasadena in the next decade.