The last time Nebraska took the field, its own shortcomings ended with one of the most disappointing losses in its history. The Cornhuskers' 45-31 loss to Georgia in Tuesday's Capital One Bowl did little for the healing process.
Two years before the playoffs start in college football, the Southeastern Conference is staging a semifinal to determine who plays Notre Dame in the BCS title game.
The Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) rank in the top 15 in several defensive categories, including first in turnover margin (plus 12). They are physical up front, and senior cornerbacks Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay (seven combined interceptions) lead a veteran secondary.