FIRST LOOK / ROSE BOWL

BCS No. 1 Miami (11-0)

vs.

BCS No. 2 Nebraska (11-1)

Jan. 3, 2002; 5 p.m.; Channel 7

The line: Miami by 10.

Story line: After Nebraska suffered a 62-36 drubbing to Colorado on Nov. 23, the Cornhuskers presumed their national championship dreams to be dashed. But losses by Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and Tennessee led to the BCS picking the Cornhuskers for the Rose Bowl, leaving Oregon and Colorado on the outside looking in.

Scouting report: Nebraska’s running attack is unlike any Miami has seen this season and could present some real problems for the Hurricanes. The Cornhuskers possess a plow-horse offensive line to go with the their multi-talented Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Eric Crouch. Look for Crouch to dot Nebraska’s option run package with the occasional play-action pass, featuring short routes underneath Miami’s stellar secondary. With little to fear downfield, the Hurricanes will try to neutralize Nebraska’s running by cheating their safeties close to the line. The Cornhuskers need to play mistake-proof football against a Hurricane squad that led the nation with a plus-26 turnover ratio. For Miami, Heisman finalist Ken Dorsey quarterbacks a balanced pro-style offense with several weapons at his disposal, notably tailback Clinton Portis, tight end Jeremy Shockey, deep threat receiver Andre Johnson and perhaps the most dominating offensive line in the country.

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MATCHUPS MIAMI NEBRASKA Points scored 43.2 (3) 37.4 (6) Points allowed 9.4 (1) 15.8 (6) Pass offense 250.2 (35) 136.5 (10) Rush offense 204.6 (21) 314.7 (1) Total offense 454.8 (8) 451.7 (11) Pass defense 138.2 (2) 170.3 (6) Rush defense 132.7 (40) 116.9 (21) Total defense 270.9 (6) 287.2 (8) Bowl history 13-11 20-19

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The pick: Miami. The only thing standing between the Hurricanes and a national championship is themselves.