Miami (FL) @ Nebraska preview

Despite only a 10-game history, the rivalry between Miami (Fla.) and Nebraska may be one of the most significant in college football in the last 30 years. From the Hurricanes upsetting the Cornhuskers in 1984 for their first national title to their most recent clash in the 2002 Rose Bowl that brought Miami its last national championship, many of the matchups had national title implications. That might not be the case this time, though both programs would love a win in their latest meeting, hosted by the No. 22 Cornhuskers on Saturday in Lincoln.

The Cornhuskers are one of only two unbeatens left in the Big Ten, which has been seen as down this year, a contention that would be proven even more with a Nebraska loss at home to Miami. The Hurricanes aren't back to their swagger of the glory days, but coach Al Golden sees his program on the upswing, and a road win against a nationally ranked opponent certainly would be a step in the right direction. Each team features a dynamic offensive player — Miami receiver Phillip Dorsett and Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah — which should make this an exciting game throughout.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Nebraska -7

ABOUT MIAMI (FLA.) (2-1): Freshman QB Brad Kaaya will be making his second start in a road game for the Hurricanes in a very hostile environment in Lincoln. Kaaya has seven touchdowns in his three games at the helm for Miami but also five interceptions, though Golden says he's not too concerned about the signal-caller's turnovers. “We know five interceptions is not ideal, but as coaches we look at how it transpired,” Golden said. “There's nothing about him right now that's gun-shy, nor should there be. He's a guy who wants to execute and wants to let it rip.”

ABOUT NEBRASKA (3-0): Through three games this season, the Cornhuskers have nine plays of 40 yards or more, compared to nine such plays for all of 2013. Coach Bo Pelini said his team isn't looking for the big play more than usual, but it has been available to the offense. “Sometimes you want to take what you want,” Pelini said. “But sometimes if a team is playing you a certain way, and there are big plays to be had, you're going to take them.”

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dorsett became the first receiver in the nation this season with three catches of at least 50 yards in the same game against Arkansas State last week, and became the first ACC player with two touchdown catches of at least 60 yards in the same game since 2011.

2. Abdullah had 110 all-purpose yards against Fresno State last week, moving him past Mike Rozier and into second place in the school's career all-purpose yards list. Abdullah is just 141 yards behind all-time leader Johnny Rodgers.

3. The last five matchups between these two programs have been in bowl games, with the winner being crowned national champion after four of those contests.

PREDICTION: Nebraska 38, Miami 35