KEY MATCHUP

TEXAS DEFENSIVE LINE VS. NEBRASKA OFFENSIVE LINE

What is the Nebraska offensive line up against with Texas? How about a defense that has recorded 37 sacks and 128 quarterback hurries. Defensive tackle Lamarr Houston is very good inside and defensive end Sam Acho is effective on the outside, but NU also will have to locate defensive end Sergio Kindle, above, as the Longhorns move him around. It will be a good test for center Jacob Hickman and company to protect Zac Lee.

NU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TEXAS RUSH DEFENSE

Although the Longhorns lead the nation in rushing defense at 61.8 yards a game, some teams have run on them. Oklahoma State got 134 and Texas A&M managed 190 (4.8 per carry). Nebraska has the commitment and now two healthy backs with Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead. Note that the Huskers ran for 141 on Oklahoma and 207 on Virginia Tech. NU has to make something happen on the ground or it could be in trouble.

Advantage: Texas

NU PASS OFFENSE VS. TEXAS PASS DEFENSE

The Huskers have been all about efficiency and the occasional stab at the big-hitter during a five-game winning streak. Junior quarterback Zac Lee is completing 63.5 percent of his passes in the past four games with just one interception. It's going to take somebody like receiver Niles Paul or tight end Mike McNeill to help by making some plays. Texas will blitz often and trust its cornerbacks in man coverage.

Advantage: Texas

TEXAS RUSH OFFENSE VS. NU RUSH DEFENSE

The Longhorns lack somebody like a Jamaal Charles, Cedric Benson, Ricky Williams or Priest Holmes. Quarterback Colt McCoy has carried 28 more times than anyone else. NU suddenly has allowed 274 rushing yards the past two weeks after mostly stifling its previous three opponents. Containing McCoy will require some work, but the Huskers are capable of limiting Texas' ground effectiveness.

Advantage: Nebraska

TEXAS PASS OFFENSE VS. NU PASS DEFENSE

What strikes you most about McCoy is his accuracy (71.8 percent). The senior also is back on track after reaching the midway point of the season with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Jordan Shipley is his favorite target with 99 receptions, but James Kirkendoll has 18 catches in the past three games with at least a 40-yard play in each. Nebraska leads the Big 12 in pass defense efficiency, but it will have to get to McCoy.

Advantage: Texas

SPECIAL TEAMS

Texas is good, starting with its averages of 28.3 yards on kickoff returns and 13.4 on punts. Add the fact that the Longhorns have blocked five kicks and Hunter Lawrence is 20 of 23 on field goals. Nebraska is decent on returns and above average at both punting and kicking with Alex Henery. NU leads the Big 12 in kickoff coverage, so that might offset one of the Longhorns' strengths.

Advantage: Texas

INTANGIBLES

Texas is 6-1 against NU under Mack Brown, who has won at least 10 games for the ninth straight season. The Huskers have played the Longhorns well recently, even when outmanned. Texas is playing with a little more pressure on its shoulders, but might just be a little too good at things like turnover margin (plus 12), red-zone efficiency (52 of 55) and the ability to score with more than just its offense (11 non-offensive TDs).

Advantage: Texas

NU WILL WIN IF

It can somehow grab a lead or catch a big break early, then bring its best effort on defense to hold on.

TEXAS WILL WIN IF

McCoy provides some Heisman Trophy moments, and the Longhorn defense has an easy time holding down the Huskers.

OUR TAKE

Because Nebraska has played some of its best football against teams like Virginia Tech and Oklahoma, look for the Huskers to go toe-to-toe with the heavily favored Longhorns and not flinch. Plus, their defense is capable of keeping it close. But Texas is on a quest for a national championship and might just have too much. It starts at quarterback as McCoy goes for his 45th career win — and gets it.

Prediction: Texas 30, Nebraska 17

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