2nd half of Sweet 16:
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13 FSU vs 05 Texas
Noles had an all-time great offense. While it wasn't just passing, that's what they preferred to do. Two 1,000 WRs. Defense was good, too, especially vs the pass. The problem for FSU is that they lacked a pass-rushing threat. And while both defenses' strength was vs the pass, FSU would still insist on throwing the ball, while the Horns would shrug and run the ball/scramble with pleasure. FSU could be the pic here if they'd run the ball more, but I just don't believe they would.
05 Texas over 13 FSU
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02 Ohio St. vs 95 Nebraska
These Buckeyes know how to take on a great team and win, so they'd scratch and claw, avoiding the blowout. But with a limited passing game, that makes it hard to move the ball effectively. They stymied the Canes' running game, but that was a pro-set offense. Not sure how they'd hold up vs 4 quarters of the option. I just don't see them scoring enough.
95 Nebraska over 02 Ohio St
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71 Nebraska vs 08 Florida
Right off the bat, you go with the Huskers here. But there are some problems. The Gators have at least the 3 fastest players on the field. A massive kicking game advantage. Nebraska's running game moved the chains, but not explosive at all. While Tagge had a great passing season and Rodgers was special, UF's pass D would shut that down. All that being said, the key to Florida's offense was the dive play - the Huskers D-Line was special. Not just Glover, but Harper and Jacobsen would retard the read-option. In an ugly game, the Gators feel like their driving a Ferrari, but can't drive a stick-shift.
71 Nebraska over 08 Florida
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01 Miami vs 91 Washington
Most talented vs most underrated? The 91 Huskies are rarely mentioned as an all-time great team, but they certainly were. One of the best run defenses ever. Great DBs. Abusive D-line. Starting RB averaged 6.0 ypc. Great WR (Bailey). We all know about these Canes, and they were great. You couldn't pass on them at all and the Nebraska game showed us they could shut that down, too. Miami had more offensive stars, but UW's defense was better. Did we see in '02 how Miami plays when they can't just out-talent you? Call it an upset, if you want.
91 Washington over 01 Miami
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Remaining half of the Elite 8:
05 Texas vs 95 Nebraska
71 Nebraska vs 91 Washington