Nebraska
vs. Clemson

• Will the Huskers put an exclamation point on the 2008 season with a win on the first day of 2009? Here are your Gator Bowl table-setters from the papers in Omaha (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Lincoln (1, 2, 3), Grand Island (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Columbia (1, 2, 3), Charleston (1, 2, 3, 4), Spartanburg (1, 2, 3), Anderson (1, 2), Seneca (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Greenville (1, 2) and Jacksonville (1, 2, 3).

• See Jim Dolezal's preview and Sam McKewon's five keys.

• The players want to win one for Bo and Carl.

• A governors' wager on the game will help the needy.

• Nate Swift's athleticism can take opponents by surprise. NU notes from Tuesday: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Clemson's Dorell Scott becomes a force at nose guard after a bad start to the season. CU notes: 1, 2, 3, 4

• From Steve Sipple, a tip of the cap to Joe Ganz.

• Bo Pelini reflects on how he was shaped by his father.

• The Jacksonville paper looks at how the two teams turned things around: NU, CU

• Improved defensive play has some Huskers wishing for a mulligan or two.

• One of a bowl team's big challenges: Staying focused through the long layoff.

• A StatePaper four-pack: 8 potential stars, 8 under-the-radar guys, NU's 10 best bowls, NU's 10 worst bowls

• Phillip Dillard adds fire to the defense. Monday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4

• James Davis closes in on a milestone in his finale as part of Clemson's Thunder & Lightning duo. CU notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Even with a win, a spot in the national rankings isn't a given.

• The LJS's Clemson insider breaks down the Tigers.

• Dabo Swinney says keeping NU's offense off the field is a must.

• Todd Peterson has made the most of his opportunities in Lincoln.

• Student athletic trainer Laura Mertz looks forward to the bowl-game experience.

• The raw numbers might not tell the whole story of the two defenses.

• It's the 30th anniversary of Woody Hayes' infamous Gator Bowl punch.

• Clemson's secondary is among the nation's stingiest.

• Jon Richt, son of the Georgia coach, does his best Joe Ganz imitation as he toils as Clemson's scout-team quarterback.

• The Pelinis rejoin the team for Sunday's practice. Notes: 1, 2, 3

• Former walk-on Tyler Wortman gears up for his final game.

• A look at NU's offense through the eyes of Clemson. CU notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

• Both offenses are led by quarterbacks who had to wait their turn.

• For seniors Matt Slauson and Lydon Murtha, the game is a chance to set the tone for next year's O-line.

• Bo Pelini & Dabo Swinney have their similarities, but they've traveled different paths.

• Clemson's new co-defensive coordinator won't reinvent the wheel.

• A look at over-achieving Tiger receivers Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham. Clemson notes from Saturday: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Joe Ganz's greatest attributes don't show up on the stat sheet, Shawn Watson says.

• Will Thursday's game earn a place among the great Gator Bowls?

• Shukree Barfield earns a Blackshirt, and the team holds a full-pads workout and scrimmage in the Florida heat. Saturday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4

• A strong finish by Marlon Lucky would be fitting, Tad Stryker writes.

• Motivation is the bowl wild card, as illustrated by Nebraska's domination of Georgia in the 1969 Sun Bowl.

• Dave Rimington recalls his battle with Clemson's defense in the 1982 Orange Bowl.

• Alfonzo Dennard enjoys a chance to play close to home.

• Steve Sipple sees the Gator Bowl as a great fit for these Huskers.

• It's been a season full of surprising twists for Clemson offensive lineman Bobby Hutchinson.

• After 18 years, the circle is complete for Clemson coaches Dabo Swinney and Woody McCorvey.

• Clemson's defensive tackles have come on strong late in the season.

• The Huskers make their arrival in Florida without the Pelinis. Friday notes: 1, 2

• The Orange Bowl win over Nebraska put Clemson on everyone's college football map.

• Offensive tackle Mike Smith turns a midseason setback into a source of motivation.

• Player features: Nebraska's Jacob Hickman, Clemson's James Davis.

• Anthony Pelini, the father of Bo and Carl, dies at age 85 in Ohio.

• A Clemson safety's arrest won't affect his playing status on Jan. 1.

• Rickey Thenarse pushes forward after his family tragedies.

• NU's defense must deal with Clemson's "Thunder & Lightning" backs.

• The Huskers' time-of-possession advantage has paid dividends.

• Clemson wraps up its on-campus preparations for the bowl game.

• Alfonzo Dennard starts getting the hang of the defensive scheme.

• Husker Dan puts together his Christmas wish list.

• The 2009 secondary will have experience on its side.

• Alex Henery and fame continue to be something of an odd couple.

• The Huskers practice, then begin a holiday break: 1, 2, 3 | CU notes

• Alex Henery will vie for punting duties in '09. | Friday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4

• Clemson could have folded at midseason but did just the opposite.

• Stability at the top is benefiting NU's highest-profile sports, Tad Stryker writes.

• A change in philosophy has given Clemson's offense a new spark.

• The Gator Bowl predictions so far are a virtual toss-up.

• Mark Mauer recalls the 1982 Orange Bowl game vs. Clemson.

• Practices resume after a two-day break. | Thursday notes: 1, 2

• Mason Cloy and Clemson's offensive line have gelled after a rough start.

• Anthony Blue struggles to regain confidence in his mended knee.

• Both schools push the Gator Bowl closer to sellout status.

• Jacob Hickman says the new-look '09 O-line will be fine.

• Get a chance to win two free club-level tickets by simply VOTING for your favorite video. Get Husker Huddle and New Year's Eve event tickets now.

• A wealth of redshirts sets a solid foundation, Steve Sipple writes.

• The captain-selection system is a hit. Monday notes: NU 1, 2 | CU 1, 2

• The heavy recruitment of defensive backs addresses a depth shortage in the secondary.

• Team awards & season captains are unveiled at the team banquet.

• Quentin Castille takes his short-yardage role to heart.

• Ganz, Swift & Peterson relish the ride from the scout team to the big stage.

• The Huskers wrap up their first week of bowl practices. This week will be a juggling act of practices and finals. Saturday notes: 1, 2

• Clemson's coaching staff gets three new faces.

• Jaivorio Burkes takes his blood pressure problems in stride. Friday notes: 1, 2, 3

• Sam McKewon looks at the evolution of Shawn Watson's offense.

• Blake Lawrence appreciates the extra practices. Fellow LB Philip Dillard works his way back. Thursday notes: 1, 2, 3, 4

• Win two Gator Bowl luxury suite tickets — submit your video ASAP.

• Who'll fill the shoes of Swift & Peterson and Ganz in 2009?

• A South Carolina paper tells the life story of coach Dabo Swinney.

• From Sam McKewon, a review of Bo Pelini's first year: 1, 2

• Steve Sarkisian gets job-juggling advice from Bo Pelini.

• HuskerPedia™ New Year's Eve party tickets are now available.

• Larry Asante fills a demanding role. Monday notes: 1, 2, 3

• Going to the game? Get your Gator Bo and matchup T-shirts.

• Bo Pelini urges Husker fans to have Jacksonville's stadium "flowing with red." Some Clemson students camped out to get their tickets.

• Marlon Lucky second-guesses his decision to return in 2008 but aims for a strong finish to his senior season.

• The New Mexico job reportedly goes to someone not named Shawn Watson.

• Here's a short course on Clemson and its traditions. | Commentary

• The coaches see the extra bowl practices as an opportunity.

• At last, the Huskers' berth in the Gator Bowl is official. | 2008-09 bowl lineup

• Johnny Rodgers joins Tommie Frazier in the HuskerPedia™ Gator Bowl packages. A New Year's Eve event is also in the works.

• Sam McKewon looks at the offensive players who stood out for Nebraska in '08.

• Shawn Watson reportedly interviews for the New Mexico job.

• NU is enjoying momentum on the recruiting trail, and the Florida trip could add to that, Bo Pelini says. Saturday notes: 1, 2, 3

• Tad Stryker revisits five indicators in assessing the '08 Huskers.

• Roy Helu is a spark plug the Huskers' resurgent ground game.

• Three walk-ons were key in the big three-pointer against Colorado.

• Armando Murillo and his brother continue their sibling rivalry.

• Mike McNeill works to become a better blocker as he chases a receiving record.

• Alex Henery shrugs off his new hero status.

• The university ticket office begins selling Gator Bowl tickets.

• The Huskers return to practice and begin preparations for Clemson.

• Clemson's defensive coordinator, Vic Koenning, resigns a day after Dabo Swinney is named head coach.

• Big 12 red tape may delay NU's official Gator Bowl invitation until Sunday, but sources say it'll be Nebraska vs. Clemson. Check out our bowl game ticket and lodging packages.

• There's no announcement yet from the Gator Bowl: 1, 2, 3

• A Gator Bowl invitation may come today, but what foe must the Huskers prepare for?

• Syracuse's upset of Notre Dame gives Nebraska an inside track on a Gator Bowl berth.