Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions September 7th 2024

On Saturday night, Colorado heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, aiming to secure its fourth straight victory over longtime rival Nebraska—a feat that has never been accomplished in this storied rivalry, which dates back to 1898. While Nebraska still holds a commanding 49-21-2 lead in the all-time series, Colorado has turned the tide in recent years and is eager to extend its winning streak.

Nebraska’s Strong Start with Dylan Raiola Leading the Charge

Nebraska (1-0) kicked off the season with a bang, delivering a 40-7 win over UTEP. This victory marked the Cornhuskers’ first season-opening win in five years and their first time scoring 40 points since 2021. The game also featured the impressive debut of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule knows that facing Colorado will be a true test. “I just look at this as a really good football test for two teams,” Rhule said. “Two teams that have plans on being good teams and want to be relevant at the end of the year.”

While Raiola and the Cornhuskers’ offense showed plenty of promise, they’ll face a much tougher challenge when they square off against Colorado, a team that’s quickly emerging as one of the more exciting programs in college football.

Colorado Riding High After Early Season Success

Colorado (1-0) enters Saturday’s matchup on a high note after their 31-26 victory over North Dakota State. The game showcased the talent of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of head coach Deion Sanders, who threw for a whopping 445 yards and four touchdowns. Not to be outdone, two-way star Travis Hunter played nearly every snap on both offense and defense, catching three touchdown passes and recording three tackles.

Colorado’s victory extended their recent dominance over Nebraska, having beaten the Cornhuskers 36-14 last season. That game is remembered for a heated moment when Shedeur Sanders interrupted Nebraska’s pre-game huddle on Colorado’s logo—fanning the flames of the rivalry.

This year, there seems to be a level of mutual respect, especially between the two quarterbacks. “I’ve never met him before, but I have watched him for the past couple of years,” said Raiola about Shedeur Sanders. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for that guy—what he has to deal with, everything that comes with being a Sanders.”

Key Players to Watch

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): After lighting up the field with 445 passing yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, Sanders will aim to break through Nebraska’s defense and lead Colorado to another rivalry victory. His poise and leadership will be critical to continuing Colorado’s dominance.
• Dylan Raiola (Nebraska): Raiola had an outstanding debut, but now faces a much tougher Colorado defense. How he handles the pressure in only his second game could determine Nebraska’s offensive success.
• Travis Hunter (Colorado): Hunter’s versatility is his superpower. As a two-way player who excels on both offense and defense, his endurance and playmaking will be key for Colorado. He can be a game-changer on any given play, and his impact will be closely watched.

Coaches Embrace the Rivalry Atmosphere

Both coaches are fired up for this intense rivalry game, but the heated animosity of past matchups seems to have cooled—at least for now. Deion Sanders, always known for his confidence, is focused on getting his team ready for a big game. “We’re going to dominate the day as best that we can,” Sanders said. “This is a tremendous rivalry, and I look forward to it.”

On the other side, Matt Rhule understands the significance of the matchup but is taking a businesslike approach. “It’s a great test, but we’re just focused on being the best version of ourselves and seeing how we match up.”

Historical Context and Stakes

While Nebraska still holds the upper hand in the overall series, Colorado has gained momentum in recent years, shifting the rivalry’s dynamics. A win for Colorado would be historic, marking the first time they’ve ever won four straight games against Nebraska. It would also further solidify Colorado’s status as a program on the rise under Deion Sanders.

For Nebraska, this game is a chance to reclaim their dominance in the rivalry and show that they’re back on the right track under Matt Rhule. With both teams eager to prove themselves early in the season, this showdown carries extra weight.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Shedeur Sanders vs. Nebraska’s Defense: After shredding North Dakota State’s defense for 445 yards, Sanders will look to keep the momentum going. Nebraska’s defense, which limited UTEP to just 7 points, will need to find a way to slow him down.
• Dylan Raiola vs. Colorado’s Secondary: Raiola faces a real test against Colorado’s defense. With only one game under his belt, how he performs under pressure will be key to keeping Nebraska in the game.
• Travis Hunter’s Two-Way Play: Playing both offense and defense, Hunter’s ability to make plays all over the field could be the X-factor for Colorado. His performance on both sides of the ball will be critical in tilting the game in the Buffaloes’ favor.

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What’s at Stake?

Both teams have a lot riding on this early-season matchup. For Colorado, a win would mark their fourth consecutive victory over Nebraska, adding to the momentum they’ve been building. It would also establish them as a team to watch in college football, with Deion Sanders steering the program toward national relevance.

For Nebraska, this game offers a shot at redemption. A win would not only stop Colorado’s streak but also signal that Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola have what it takes to get Nebraska back on track and in the national conversation.

With historical implications, rising star players, and two programs hungry for success, this game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the weekend.