Nebraska football vs. Colorado. Score prediction

A major nonconference test awaits Nebraska football on Saturday when it faces Colorado under the lights at Memorial Stadium. Here’s a closer look at how the Huskers and Buffaloes match up.

The game begins at 6:30 p.m., and will be televised on NBC.

1. Big-play threats: Nebraska looked to wide receiver Isaiah Neyor to take the top off the defense in Week 1, and the senior came up with a big touchdown grab of 50-plus yards. In Neyor, Jaylen Lloyd and Jahmal Banks, Nebraska has three wide receivers to target for downfield passes.

2. Steady up front: Protecting quarterback Dylan Raiola and keeping the offense on schedule will be the NU offensive line’s key responsibilities on Saturday. So long as the Huskers keep opposing defenders away from Raiola, the freshman should be able to operate the offense as needed.

3. Run the ball: Colorado likes to score points too, so there’s no need to turn the game into a shootout. If Nebraska can control the time of possession and establish its running game, it’ll limit the Buffaloes’ ability to rely on their offense.

4. Raiola’s rise: Freshman or not, the big time is here for Raiola. If the quarterback makes an early mistake, he’ll have to shake it off, because Nebraska will need him to be at his best against a talented opponent.

1. Slow down Shedeur: As quarterback Shedeur Sanders goes, so does the Colorado offense. The Buffaloes lack an established run game, so it’ll be up to Sanders to provide the scoring. If Nebraska can limit his effectiveness, either through its pass rush or coverage, it’ll be in position to win the game.

2. Collapse the pocket: Nebraska made Sanders run for his life in 2023, sacking the quarterback eight times. It’ll be difficult to reach that total again this season, but the less time Sanders has in the pocket, the better. The Colorado signal-caller likes to hold onto the ball and extend plays.

3. On an island: As wide receivers like Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. prepare to go to work, it’ll be up to cornerbacks Tommi Hill and Marques Buford to put them on an island. If either corner can lock down their opponent in one-on-one coverage, it’ll open up the Nebraska defense to blitz and make other adjustments.

4. No big plays: A simple one, but Nebraska cannot be beaten over the top. Forcing Colorado to earn every yard, first down and point will be the way to keep the Buffaloes from getting into rhythm offensively.

18.3: Points per game allowed by Nebraska in 2023. Colorado scored 36 points on the Huskers that season.

34.8: Points per game allowed by Colorado in 2023. Nebraska scored just 14 points against the Buffaloes.

40: Scholarship transfers added by Colorado in the offseason.

WR | No. 16 | So.: As Nebraska’s starting slot wide receiver, Bonner’s impact doesn’t always show up in the box score. A key blocker both in the run and pass game, Bonner can also make a difference as a pass-catcher.

LB | No. 56 | Jr.: He may not have started, but Thompson played the most snaps of any Husker linebacker against UTEP. John Bullock and Mikai Gbayor lead the charge at the position, but the Syracuse transfer will need to play some key reps this weekend.

Colorado pass game against Nebraska secondary

The game may be decided by Nebraska’s ability to slow down Shedeur Sanders. The quarterback carved up the Nebraska defense a year ago, but that unit has made leaps and bounds since. NU’s entire five-man starting secondary are Blackshirts and single-digit jersey recipients — but are they up for the challenge?

Colorado is no slouch up front defensively, but it did allow 157 rushing yards a week ago, compared to the 56 yards Nebraska surrendered to UTEP. The Huskers are more stout in defending the run, and their pass-rushers are also more established than what the Buffaloes can offer. Colorado may get some impact plays out of its defensive line, but Nebraska will get more.

In the year since Nebraska and Colorado last met each other, the Huskers have improved on both sides of the ball. Raiola and the players around him make up a far more competent passing attack than what Nebraska played the 2023 matchup with, while Nebraska’s veteran-heavy defense has continued its upward trajectory. Colorado, on the other hand, is still experiencing many of the same issues that plagued it during a losing season. The Buffaloes have the top-end talent to make this a difficult game, but do they have what it takes to handle a charged Memorial Stadium crowd? Nebraska has circled this game for months and its players will be ready for the moment when it comes.