Early Football Previews and Predictions: Game Two at Nebraska

[catdaddyp]

2024 Rewind:

Nebraska finished 7–6 after starting the season 5–1. Their wins came against UTEP, Colorado, Northern Iowa, Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Boston College in the bowl game. Four of Nebraska’s losses came by seven points or less. Matt Rhule is now in his third season guiding the Huskers, and at his previous stops—Temple and Baylor—year three was when his teams made the leap into the upper tier of their respective conferences. The same could easily be true this season, as Nebraska appears to have a manageable schedule.

 

Recruiting under Rhule:

2023:

On3 - 5th in Big Ten

247 - 5th in Big Ten

 

2024:

On3 - 7th in Big Ten

247 - 6th in Big Ten

 

2025:

On3 - 6th in Big Ten

247 -  6th in Big Ten

 

Huskers on Offense:

Dylan Raiola is a name known across the college football landscape thanks to last year’s NIL hoopla. The true sophomore completed 67% of his passes for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2024. He’s the undisputed starter for Nebraska.

 

Emmett Johnson returns at running back after racking up 607 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground. He also added value in the passing game with 39 receptions for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns.

 

Despite losing two starting wide receivers and an NFL-drafted tight end, Nebraska should be substantially improved in the passing game with the additions of Kentucky’s Dane Key and Cal’s Nyziah Hunter. Those two bring the kind of playmaking ability the Cornhusker offense lacked last year.

 

Nebraska should be improved along the offensive line with the additions of Notre Dame transfer Rocco Spindler and Alabama transfer Elijah Pritchett. Mainstays Justin Evans, Henry Lutovsky, and Gunnar Gottula also return, giving the Cornhuskers plenty of experience up front.

 

 

Huskers on Defense:

Nebraska lost their defensive coordinator and most of their production along the defensive line. Matt Rhule has said he’d like to keep the 3-3-5 in place, so it remains to be seen what the Cornhuskers ultimately settle on.

 

Sophomore Vincent Shavers and senior Javin Wright step into starting roles at linebacker after the duo combined for 59 total tackles as backups in 2024.

 

In the secondary, Malcolm Hartzog returns at nickel after collecting 45 total tackles and 4 interceptions. Ceyair Wright is back at one cornerback spot after recording 39 total tackles and 2 interceptions, while Idaho transfer Andrew Marshall is expected to fill the opposite corner. DeShon Singleton reprises his role at one safety following up a solid season that included 71 total tackles. The other safety spot will be filled by former backup Marques Buford.

 

Nebraska struggled on special teams last year. Sophomore John Hohl is back at kicker after connecting on 67% of his field goal attempts, and freshman Archie Wilson will likely handle punting duties.

 

 

Position Advantage:

Nebraska holds the edge in almost every category. The Zips’ proven production at tight end gives Akron the advantage there, and with Nebraska being one of the poorest performing special teams units in 2024, I’m giving Akron the edge in that phase as well.

 

QB - Nebraska

RB - Nebraska

WR - Nebraska

TE - Akron

OL - Nebraska

DL - Nebraska 

LB - Nebraska

DB - Nebraska

ST - Akron

 

 

Way too Early Prediction:

Even though I expect Nebraska’s defense to be a bit worse than it was last year, they’re still going to be a formidable opponent for us. I also expect the Cornhusker offense to be substantially better than it was in 2024.

 

I don’t have much to say about this game—it’s the one payday on our schedule. Once again, we’re catching a Power Five opponent on its way up. My best hope is we get out injury free and hang close for a while. Final score prediction: 42–10 Cornhuskers.

 

 

Edited July 8 by catdaddyp

[GP1]

A lot of people will roll their eyes at a sixth place finish in the Big Ten believing it's a failure. A sixth place finish in a league with OSU, Michigan, USC, Washington, Wisconsin, PSU Michigan State, etc is a pretty good accomplishment. Nebraska isn't the program it used to be and is being overwhelmed by the changing landscape of college football. 6-8 wins and a bowl is a good season moving forward for them and a lot of programs in the Big Ten whose best days are behind them. 

 

I just looked at Nebraska's schedule.  They have a really good home schedule if you are a season ticket holder. Lots of opportunities for wins. It could be one of those seasons in which a team is better than the previous season but doesn't win anymore games than the previous. 

 

Nebraska will smash Akron. Conference and momentum is important and smashing us will help to provide some of each. 

 

Nebraska 56

Akron 17