Nebraska’s first big test is here, No. 20 Michigan. Although the Huskers have dominated both offensively and defensively over the past few weeks, Michigan holds the keys to breaking down Nebraska’s structure. The Bearcats’ run game plagued the Huskers’ win over Cincinnati. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby especially found plenty of real estate, nearly cracking 100 yards rushing.
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood rushed for over 100 yards in the win over Central Michigan, despite not playing in the fourth quarter. The freshman ran for 114 yards while throwing for 235 yards. Justice Haynes rushed for 104 yards on 14 carries.
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This is the Blackshirts’ main challenge this week: Stopping the run. Underwood struggled against Oklahoma through the air, finishing 9-of-24 for 142 yards, while Michigan tallied 146 rushing yards on 32 carries. Haynes delivered the big play for the Wolverines, taking the opening play of the second half 75 yards for a score.
It’s plays like this that could be frequent on Saturday if the Huskers allow it. But with nearly 90,000 fans cheering, Nebraska needs to force Underwood to beat them in the air rather than on the ground. Though he’s bound to be the first quarterback this season to throw for over 100 yards against the Huskers, Underwood’s aerial attack needs to be his best to get the offense dominating.
But even if Nebraska finds a way to shut down the run and keep Underwood in check, its offense needs to play lights out against the Wolverines’ defense.
Dylan Raiola and the Huskers’ offense sliced up Akron and Houston Christian and did enough to beat Cincinnati. But the Bearcats’ defense did frustrate Nebraska at times, even sacking Raiola three times. Now the Huskers face a Michigan defense that’s tallied seven sacks and 23 tackles for loss.
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Oklahoma found creases in the Wolverines’ defense, cracking over 400 total yards and scoring 24 points. The bulk of its offense came from John Mateer, who tossed 270 passing yards and rushed for 74 yards. He spread the ball around too, with four receivers hauling in at least three catches and finishing with between 36 and 101 receiving yards.
Nebraska slightly mirrors this, with Raiola sharing the ball with multiple targets in each game. Though he does not run as often as Mateer, Michigan could become frustrated if Raiola begins churning out yards, allowing for the offense to open up, especially if they attempt to dismantle the pipeline.
The Wolverines are also without head coach Sherrone Moore, who will not return from his self-imposed suspension until after the game. Though Michigan blew out Central Michigan at home without Moore, Memorial Stadium is a different environment.
Nebraska can make this a game, similar to its 2021 showdown with the team. However, Michigan is not looking to be upset with a loss already on record, and Nebraska is likely to make a mistake that could prove to be the key factor. For that reason, despite several factors leaning towards the Huskers, the Wolverines will most likely secure the win.
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Score Prediction: Michigan 31, Nebraska 27
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. No. 20 Michigan
