Nebraska Cornhuskers
Even though the faces have changed from game to game and it took longer than usual, the Huskers' offense is as explosive as ever. It took Eric Crouch three games to win the job, but the Nebraska quarterback has proven to be one of the most versatile players in the college game and his value to this team is unparalleled. Crouch went on to become co-offensive player of the year in the Big 12 after rushing for 817 yards and a team-leading 14 touchdowns. He showed vast improvement in just a year as a passer, completing 52 percent of his attempts for 1,269 yards and seven touchdowns with just four interceptions. He leads an offense loaded with playmakers and athletic linemen. The receivers are dangerous, led by junior split end Matt Davison, who is fourth all-time in receptions, and WB Bobby Newcombe (converted quarterback), who is as explosive as any single player in the nation. This team can score from anywhere on the field, but if there is one concern, it is the propensity to fumble. For the season they've lost 24 of 49, and against a Tennessee defense that is loaded with strength and speed up front, this could be a problem.

The Huskers ranked in the top seven nationally in every major statistical category on defense. Not only are the "Blackshirts" dominating up front as usual, but the secondary is tops among the nation too. Senior rover Mike Brown has been the difference-maker on this unit. His job is basically to line up and play schoolyard football, using his instincts to get to the ball or ballcarrier. Brown is a ballhawk against the pass, and loves to come up and give support against the run. Nebraska's pass rush has been devastating. Inside, the Huskers are deep, playing at least five different players a game and getting great minutes from all of them. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and Aaron Wills are punishing bookends who receive so much attention that the linebacking corps has been free to move about the line of scrimmage. The Huskers match up extremely well against the Volunteers because of their versatility and speed. The key for Nebraska is going to be in its assignments, where it will be challenged to break containment and over-pursue against an offense that can run just as well as it can pass.

Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols finished the season leading the SEC in rushing, averaging 192 yards per game on the ground. But the stiffest task still awaits them. This is tough matchup for Tennessee because it has had trouble with teams which are capable of using the secondary in run support. Tee Martin had another fine year as the offense's leader, showing that he's a proven winner. Martin is still the key to this offense, and his occasional streaky play cost the Vols a chance at a repeat as national champions. Martin is going to have to be sharp against Nebraska's fierce defensive attack, because he is going to be called upon to make some critical throws early to ease the pressure. Tennessee has had some trouble backing teams out of 8-and-9 man fronts because it has shown little consistency in the passing game. If Martin makes the throws early, it will force an honest defensive look, which will bode well for RBs Travis Henry and Jamal Lewis. Henry came on strong as Lewis seemed to slow late in the season, hampered by shoulder and ankle injuries. Both backs have strength and speed, and with a month to rest, Tennessee's running game could make the difference.

The defensive side of the ball is where Tennessee has a chance to win. This is as active a front seven as there is in the college game, and they have a better chance of stopping Nebraska's wide offense than any team. LB Raynoch Thompson, a Butkus Award finalist, is going to have to be all over the field, something he is fully capable of doing. The biggest players on the field, however, are going to be DEs Shaun Ellis and Will Overstreet. Ellis and Overstreet are two athletic and physical ends who will be a shock to the Huskers' system. The best attribute of these two players is their discipline and awareness, which are crucial components in stopping the option. The Vols are solid at cornerback, where Dwayne Goodrich and Andre Lott will be forced into a lot of man-to-man coverage when the team opts to walk their safeties close to the line of scrimmage in run support.

Keys to the game
1. The discipline of Tennessee's defensive ends. The Husker offense, led by QB Eric Crouch and RBs Correll Buckhalter and Dan Alexander, prey on teams that break assignments and over-pursue. DEs Shaun Ellis and Will Overstreet must be careful not to get out of position or try to make too much happen on their own. If they do, the Huskers are going to have a big day running the football.

2. Tennessee QB Tee Martin's passing efficiency. Expect the Huskers to run a lot of eight man fronts to stop the run, meaning that the Vols are going to have to take some chances down the field against man-to-man coverage. Martin has some extremely gifted receivers in Cedric Wilson, Dante Stallworth and Eric Parker, but he has to prove to Nebraska that he can make the throws with men in his face. If Martin makes the throws early, it will force an honest defensive look, which will provide room for the running game.

3. The turnover margin. These are two championship-quality teams with similar athletes on both sides of the ball. The Volunteers have been more protective of the ball this season, but QB Tee Martin has a tendency to try to force things, causing turnovers. The Huskers, on the other hand, are a bit more explosive on offense, but have fumbled the ball 49 times this season. When two teams of such equal talent meet head-to-head, it is usually the team that takes care of the football which emerges victorious.

War Room Edge: Tennessee Volunteers
This game is an great matchup, given the fact that it could have very easily been featured in the Sugar Bowl for the national title. Instead, Tennessee and Nebraska will square off to measure themselves in what should be an extremely exciting game. The Huskers come in with all cylinders firing offensively, but they will face a defense with speed that they have not seen the entire year. On the reverse side, the matchup is similar, as the Vols are finally healthy and should be led in a balanced attack by proven winner Tee Martin. However, the "Blackshirts" have a versatile and ferocious defensive attack, and are going to pressure the Vols in ways they have not seen all season either. The matchup comes down to ball control and turnovers, something that the Volunteers will be better equipped to handle with a veteran quarterback and more leadership on the field. The Huskers may be more talented and are playing better football coming into the game, but Tennessee wins its second consecutive Fiesta Bowl with a caretaker at the helm.

Material from The War Room. Visit their web site at http://www.nflwarroom.com