Another week, another round of USA TODAY Sports bowl projections. Last week yielded several shocking outcomes, resulting in a slew of new predictions. But for the third week in a row, Nebraska remains set to face Oklahoma in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
USA TODAY Sports’ Erick Smith saw some contenders making their cases for the playoffs, while others fell by the wayside or were left with no margin for error. However, for the Huskers and Sooners, nothing much changed in terms of the postseason.
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Nebraska is coming off another blowout win before entering conference play. The Huskers blew out Houston Christian 59-7 to start the season 3-0 for the second-straight year. The Huskers tallied 554 yards of offense, including 222 yards passing from Dylan Raiola, who played just the first half and tossed 15-of-21 for two touchdowns to put Nebraska up 38-0.
Emmett Johnson rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Kwinten Ives tallied 85 rushing yards and one touchdown off 12 carries. He also hauled in two catches for 36 yards. The Blackshirts held the Huskies to 67 passing yards and 93 rushing yards, while delivering three sacks and eight tackles for loss. They also recovered two fumbles, with Missouri transfer Williams Nwaneri scoring on one.
Oklahoma continues to climb up in the rankings after toppling Temple on the road 42-3. The No. 11 Sooners rolled past the Owls without much struggle, with John Mateer finishing 20-of-34 for 282 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
He also rushed for 63 yards and one touchdown on seven carries, while Tory Blaylock racked up 100 yards and two touchdowns on 14 runs. Oklahoma’s defense, meanwhile, held Temple to 105 total yards of offense, allowing 27 rushing yards and 78 passing yards.
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This victory comes one week after the Sooners took down Michigan. Now, Oklahoma is dealt a schedule that provides no favors, with seven of its nine remaining opponents sitting ranked in the top 25. Only three of Nebraska’s remaining opponents are currently ranked, providing an opportunity for the team to take another significant step in the right direction following its 2024 season.
But for now, according to USA TODAY Sports, these longtime rivals are seemingly destined to face off for the 89th time come December.
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska projected to face Oklahoma in the ReliaQuest Bowl
