It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for! Nebraska takes on Colorado Saturday night and I can’t wait to watch it play out. It’s always a big deal when these two teams meet, due to the history and outstanding rivalry between the schools. This game may be one of the biggest games for both teams this season. There is no love lost between them and I expect it to be a very physical and hard-hitting game. Let’s get started by looking at Colorado.
Colorado Defense
Last season, Colorado had one of the worst defenses in the PAC-12. They were second to last in points allowed, third worst in passing yards, and second worst in rushing yards allowed. However, they have worked to revamp their defense by bringing in a new defensive coordinator and adding players from the transfer portal. Last week, in their first game of the season against North Dakota State, Colorado’s defense struggled early in the first half. Surprisingly, they were able to tighten things up in the second half, winning 31 to 26. Although their defense has struggled in the past, they have added some key players from the transfer portal to combine with key players from last year. They have added depth and are hoping to improve on this side of the ball this season.
They have added a lot of players to their defensive line which was critical to their success last week. B.J. Green, a transfer from Arizona State, had a pretty good game last week. He had a tackle for loss which helped contain North Dakota State’s offense. Transfers Chidozie Nwankwo and Dayon Hayes also had tackles for a loss and did well in their debut for Colorado. The Buffaloes have a lot of depth in the linebacker position. Seniors Trevor woods, and LaVonta Bentley both contributed to Colorado’s defense last week. Together they had 15 total tackles, including two tackles for a loss. Colorado has some experience in their secondary. Safety Shilo Sanders had nine tackles last week. Sanders had the second most tackles against North Dakota State, totaling nine. Cornerback, Travis Hunter is one of the most versatile players on the team. Last season, he totaled three interceptions and 30 tackles. Hunter is one of the best college football players in the country, playing both cornerback and wide receiver. Nebraska can take advantage of Colorado defense by using the run game and relying heavily on this weakness of Colorado. I expect Colorado defense to lean on players such as Hunter and Sanders to help them stop Nebraska’s rushing attack.
Colorado Offense
When it comes to Colorado’s offense, they have a lot of talent. They rely heavily on big explosive plays with their quarterback and wide receivers. They’re most effective in the passing game and this is a crucial part of their offense. Colorado has a lot of weapons in their wide receiver core and I expect them to use them substantially on Saturday. They also have a very effective and talented quarterback in Shedeur Sanders. He has a huge arm and is expected to be drafted in the first round of next year’s NFL draft. Last week, against North Dakota State, Sanders passed for 445 yards for touchdowns and one interception. In this game, he’s showcased just how talented he is and how explosive Colorado’s offense can be.
Another critical piece to their offense is wide receiver, Jimmy Horn Jr. Horn had a career high game with 7 catches for 198 yards and 1 touchdown. In this game, he showed how dangerous he can be. Another talented weapon for Colorado is wide receiver, Travis Hunter. He is projected to be a top 10 draft pick in next year‘s draft. He totaled seven receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Together, Hunter and Horn Jr totaled 330 yards. They also had four touchdowns combined. This showcases why Colorado potentially has the best wide receiver group in the country. Their offense is very diverse and filled with talent. I expect them to use these dynamic players to their advantage and take opportunities to create big, explosive plays against Nebraska’s defense.
Fundamentals for Nebraska to Win
It is pretty simple when it comes to what Nebraska will need to do to win. In order for them to succeed, they need to hold onto the ball, not commit turnovers, and take advantage of opportunities. As for their offense, Nebraska will need to communicate effectively and hold onto the ball. It is crucial that we limit the amount of turnovers and create unanticipated plays. I expect Colorado to put up a lot of points and our offense will need to combat it. It’s going to be a very hard-hitting old school Nebraska football game. Colorado is going to come in with a lot of energy and determination and Nebraska will need to match this. As for the defense, the Huskers will need to find a way to contain the Buffalo’s wide receivers and the passing game. The defense will also need to make sure that they don’t miss tackles and take advantage of opportunities when they come. If we can do all of these things, I see us being successful.
Score Prediction
I predict Nebraska will win 30 to 24.
