Colorado takes on Nebraska in a renewal of a classic college football rivalry on Saturday that features two next-level quarterbacks.
Kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The Buffaloes handled the Huskers 36-14 last season in Boulder, which highlighted just how much rebuilding Matt Rhule had ahead of him.
Colorado (1-0) beat North Dakota State 31-26 in Week 1. Second–year coach Deion Sanders has another team with star power, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, two-way player Travis Hunter and receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. The Buffaloes are still must-see TV, especially if they can win the rematch against the Huskers.
Nebraska (1-0) has a new feel under Rhule in year two. The Huskers beat UTEP 40-7 in the opener, and freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has helped create optimism that the Huskers might finally be ready for prime-time again.
If they can get past Coach Prime, of course. The old Big Eight and Big 12 rivals meet on a stage, and the winner could be ranked in the AP Top 25 heading into Week 3. Here is everything you need to know about the Buffaloes and Huskers.
Colorado vs. Nebraska odds
- Spread: Nebraska -7
- Over/under: 59
- Moneyline: Nebraska -267, Colorado +215
The Huskers are a touchdown favorite according to the latest Caesars odds and the line hasn't moved throughout the week so far. Colorado was a three-point favorite in last year's matchup.
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Colorado vs. Nebraska: Three trends to know
— Sanders will be able to play the underdog card. Colorado is 1-7 S/U but 6-2 ATS as an underdog with Sanders. Colorado is 1-4 S/U but 3-2 ATS as a road underdog. That suggests the Buffs have a shot to cover on the road.
— Nebraska is 5-3 S/U and 3-5 ATS at home under Rhule. The Huskers are 4-1 S/U and 2-3 ATS as a home favorite, and this is the first home game against Colorado since 2018.
— Nebraska is 3-5 with the OVER at home, and 5-8 overall under Rhule, which means a potential shootout might not happen. Then again, Colorado games are 7-6 with the OVER. That number drops to 2-4 on the road.
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Colorado vs. Nebraska: Three things to watch
Can Nebraska slow down Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter?
The Blackshirts certainly didn't do that last year. Sanders completed 31 of 42 passes for 393 yards, two TDs and no INTs. Nine different Colorado players caught a pass, and Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. combined for 11 catches for 37 yards. Sanders' timing with those two receivers is even better this season, and he ranks ninth in the FBS with 13.1 yards per attempt.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders was 5 of 8 for 194 yards and two TDs on passes of 20 yards or more. He has been uncanny at extending plays and delivering on those vertical shots, and those can be a difference maker against the Huskers. Nebraska defensive backs Rahmir Stewart and Malcolm Hartzog had interceptions last week. Can the Huskers' defensive backs make plays when Sanders is in scramble mode?
Hunter had seven catches for 132 yards and three TDs in the opener. Will he be the one to make the game-changing plays on offense? If so, then Nebraska will be in trouble again.
How will Dylan Raiola handle Colorado pass rush?
Raiola is a potential program changer for Nebraska. We've heard that before but this time it feels very, very real. The five-star quarterback was impressive in his debut with 238 yards, two TDs and no interceptions. He averaged 8.8 yards per attempt.
Raiola also threw the ball down field well in his first start for Nebraska. The Huskers trusted him on third and fourth down. On passes of 20 yards or more, Raiola was 2 of 5 for 80 yards and two TDs. He was 5 of 7 for 31 yards against the blitz, and he will have to be careful against defensive backs such as Hunter and Shilo Sanders who will gamble and try to jump routes. If Colorado can get pressure – and they had two sacks in Week 1 – it will be interesting to see how Raiola reacts in those circumstances.
Will Nebraska flex the running game?
Remember when Colorado-Nebraska used to be about the triple-option offense and running the football? Yeah, those days are gone, but that does not mean the running game won't be a significant factor in the outcome on Saturday. Nebraska supported Raiola with a balanced rushing attack that amassed 223 yards on 4.7 yards per carry in Week 1. Emmett Johnson (8 carries, 71 yards, TD) led that attack, and the Buffaloes allowed 157 yards in Week 1.
Just like what plagued them last season, Colorado also still can't run the ball. They had just 59 yards on 23 attempts in Week 1. Last year, that inability to run the ball didn't hurt the Buffs. This year, it will.
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Colorado vs. Nebraska stat that matters: Turnover margin
Which quarterback protects the football? Sanders had an unlucky interception against North Dakota State, but the Buffaloes have done an excellent job of protecting the football under Deion Sanders. Colorado had a +9 turnover margin last season (20 turnovers gained, 11 lost) and that was during a 4-8 season.
Nebraska was -17 last year (14 turnovers gained, 31 lost), and Rhule harped on throughout the season. The Huskers committed one turnover and were +1 in Week 1 against UTEP. If Raiola can protect the football at home, then Nebraska will be in good shape.
Colorado vs. Nebraska prediction
Both teams have improved ahead of what will be a perception-altering game. Colorado is trying to maintain September momentum, and Sanders and Hunter will be a challenge for Nebraska's secondary. Nebraska appears ready to at least contend in the Big Ten around Raiola, and this would be confirmation in another Rhule rebuild. What is different this year? Raiola can protect the football better. Nebraska had four turnovers in last year's loss. This year they will have just one, and the running game will dictate the tempo much like North Dakota State did in Week 1. Sanders will flash with Hunter again, and we still like the Buffaloes to cover the number. The ultimate sign of progress? Nebraska wins a one-score game.
Final score: Nebraska 34, Colorado 26
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