SP+ includes 1 NC in its top 10 from the 80s. I'm normally a stats guy, but in looking over some of their really highly-ranked teams, their formula seems to REALLY value beating the ever-loving shit out of average-and-worse teams. What you do against fellow strong teams seems nearly meaningless, as long as you win some and lose some.
All that being said, I think OU's run from 85-87 was evidence that it's not just about the stats. Matchup and talent level matter, obviously. I hold talent level much higher than matchup, but whatever.
On this game, I think it would be badass to watch. Nebraska shut down the run like few teams ever have. Of course a Bo-led UM team wants to pound the ball, but I don't think they'd be able to. The problem is that Harbaugh's 64% comp rate would have allowed the Wolverines to move the ball and score.
Nebraska had a great option game, but 2 of UM's best players were on the d-line. They weren't just gap-stoppers, but penetrators. I think Messerschmidt & Hammerstein would retard the Husker run attack just enough.
