By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

Nebraska vs. Arizona
7 p.m. Wednesday, ESPN
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Team records: Nebraska 9-4, Arizona 8-4

The 411
The Cornhuskers were one second and six inches from playing in the Fiesta Bowl as the Big 12's BCS representative. Nebraska, which won nine games last season, hopes to do one better. The offense has struggled at times and improving that side of the ball will be a key factor against a solid Arizona defense (21st in total defense). Freshman quarterback Cody Green is expected to play some in place of starter Zac Lee, who is coming off an ineffective (6-of-19, 39 yards, three interceptions) outing in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game. Nebraska's defense, led by All-American tackle Ndamukong Suh, will try to hassle Wildcats sophomore quarterback Nick Foles, a transfer from Michigan State. He was a big reason why Arizona was able to follow up on last year's 8-5 record. The Wildcats were picked to finish eighth in the Pac-10 but finished tied for second. Arizona has played seven games decided by eight or fewer points. Nebraska has had five games decided by eight or fewer points. Three of the Cornhuskers' four losses came by a total of four points.

History lessons
Nebraska is 23-22 in bowl games (including 30 New Year's Day games) and is making its second appearance in the Holiday Bowl. Arizona is 6-7-1 in bowl games and also is making its second appearance in the Holiday Bowl. These teams met in the 1998 Holiday Bowl with Arizona winning 23-20. That triumph led to the Wildcats being ranked preseason No. 4 in 1999 (they finished a disappointing 6-6).