Two programs with great football history meet late this morning in Jacksonville, Florida.
And who says history doesn’t repeat itself?
Nebraska faced Georgia last year in the Capitol One Bowl, losing 45-31 after the Bulldogs came from behind to score three unanswered touchdowns.
While the Bulldogs and the Cornhuskers are set to meet in a bowl game for the second consecutive year, this season’s showdown will be quite different than last. The starting quarterbacks from last year’s game will miss the Gator Bowl because of injuries.
Georgia’s Aaron Murray, the SEC’s all-time passing leader, matched career bests with 427 yards and five touchdowns in Georgia’s win a year ago. However, he won’t be available after tearing his ACL in his left knee on November 23rd.
Taylor Martinez will miss the Huskers 50th bowl appearance. He was limited to four games this season due to a rash of injuries, throwing for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Huskers hope to snap a three-game bowl losing streak today. Nebraska also wants to make a statement against Georgia, ranked 22nd in the nation. The Huskers have dropped six of seven games against ranked opponents.
While Nebraska is making its 50th bowl appearance, Georgia will be making trip number 49 to a bowl game today. The ‘Dogs seem to like Jacksonville. They are 2-0-1 in their last three trips to the Gator Bowl.
Georgia boasts a high-powered offense, but Nebraska has weapons of its own.
The Huskers will lean heavily on junior running back Ameer Abdullah, who is seventh in the FBS with 130.7 rushing yards per game. The third-team All-American went over 100 yards in all but two games.
Nebraska will also be without a defensive contributor. The team announced Friday that defensive end Avery Moss returned to his home in Arizona to attend to a personal issue and won’t play against Georgia.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Central Time from Jacksonville, Florida.
AUDIO: Bill Pollock previews the Gator Bowl. [:40]
Nebraska Sports Director Bill Pollock contributed to this story.