After having their game canceled last week against Akron, the Nebraska football team will take on a much improved Colorado team that looked very impressive in their opener against Colorado State. The Huskers and Buffalos will play four times over the next seven years in Lincoln and Boulder. Saturday is the first time Nebraska has faced a former Big 12 team since leaving the league after the 2010 season. As things get closer to kickoff, here are today's keys to a Nebraska victory over Colorado. NU is currently a 4 point favorite over the Buffalos. KEYS TO VICTORY: Colorado at Nebraska KEY 1: Start fast on offense How much rust will the Huskers have out of the gates not having a football game last week? We are going to find out right away on Saturday. It will be important for the Husker offense to generate some early momentum to take the pressure off of their defense. KEY 2: Tackling in space Last week 22 of the 26 passes Colorado threw were 10 yards or less, and 17 of them were 5 yards or less. The Buffalos attacked Colorado State with a lot of short, quick-hitting throws that caused them to tackle in space. It will be important for Nebraska to use their physicality in the secondary and not let CU have as much success with their short passing game. KEY 3: Pressuring Montez Here's a stat to chew on from last week's Colorado game. Quarterback Steven Montez wasn't sacked, hit or hurried once on 27 pass plays according to Pro Football Focus. The Huskers need to find ways to get to him and not let him be as comfortable in the pocket. KEY 4: Offensive balance Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said on Wednesday NU can't let quarterback Adrian Martinez drop back 40 or 50 times on Saturday. With that said, the Huskers need to find the balance in their offense and utilize the depth they have at running back to rush for over 200 yards. KEY 5: Don't get caught flat-footed on defense Colorado will operate at a very high-tempo on offense. The good thing for the Huskers is they see that every day in practice. However, under live bullets, we still don't know what this group is going to look like. It will be important for NU to communicate and not get caught flat-footed on defense when the Buffalos operate with tempo. Also don't be afraid to burn a timeout if you don't think your group is set. EXPERT TAKE: Colorado at Nebraska Sean Callahan - HuskerOnline Publisher Nebraska is still a very hard team to read right now, but I think they can use that to their advantage on Saturday. I expect the Huskers to move the ball on the Buffaloes, but they still will struggle at times to match-up with CU's high-powered offensive attack. I'll take the Huskers in a shootout. Nebraska 41, Colorado 31 ############################## Robin Washut - HuskerOnline Senior Writer Even after last week’s major letdown, I see Nebraska coming out ready to roll today. The problem is Colorado is operating at a very high level right now, so I expect the Buffaloes to go blow for blow with the Huskers. Nebraska’s talent ultimately wins out, but CU is going to keep it interesting for a while. Nebraska 48, Colorado 35 ############################## Nate Clouse - HuskerOnline Lead Recruiting Analyst I can see Nebraska getting off to a bit of a slow start against Colorado before they work some first-game kinks out and Adrian Martinez gets settled in. While the Buffs may get out to an early lead, the Huskers grab some momentum behind a couple of big defensive plays aided by a loud Memorial Stadium and put up a late score to seal the win. Nebraska 35, Colorado 31 ############################## Mike'l Severe - Omaha World Herald Bottom Line This has all the indications of a shootout. My total was 58.5 for the game and the total is now up to 65. Colorado has several threats that the Blackshirts will have to slow down. CU allowed 37 sacks last season which could indicate a good day for the NU pass rush. How Adrian Martinez handles his first start will go a long way toward determining your winner. I think CU makes a FG at the gun. Colorado 36, Nebraska 34 ############################## Andy Kendeigh - KETV Channel 7 Sports Director Which ever team runs it better will win. As a head coach, Scott Frost is 11-1 when his team outrushes its opponent. Nebraska has won 15 straight when winning the rushing battle. The committee of Husker running backs led by junior college transfer Greg Bell along with quarterback Adrian Martinez will run it best and the Cornhuskers will earn a win in Scott Frost's debut. Nebraska 35, Colorado 28 HuskerOnline Week 2 Score Predictions Week Sean Callahan Robin Washut Nate Clouse Mike'l Severe Andy Kendeigh CU at Nebraska 41-31 Nebraska 48-35 Nebraska 35-31 Nebraska 36-34 Colorado 35-28 Nebraska Iowa State at Iowa 27-20 Iowa 21-17 Iowa 24-17 Iowa 27-20 Iowa 17-10 Iowa Duke at NW 34-27 NW 31-24 NW 28-20 NW 27-23 Duke 31-28 Duke MSU at ASU 37-34 MSU 41-31 MSU 30-27 MSU 27-24 MSU 27-20 MSU USC at Stanford 27-23 Stanford 28-27 USC 30-28 USC 34-32 Stanford 24-20 Stanford Clemson at TAMU 41-31 Clemson 45-20 Clemson 28-13 Clemson 37-24 Clemson 37-21 Clemson<doc-sep>If the scheduled matchup between Scott Frost’s Nebraska Cornhuskers team and the Akron Zips didn’t get you hyped about the season, maybe a clash with the Colorado Buffaloes will. The Huskers’ opener was washed out, as weather forced the Big Red to call off a football game for the first time since 1943. This week, not only will the excitement for Frost’s first game reignite, but so will some good old-fashioned hatred with Colorado’s return to Lincoln. Much like when the Miami Hurricanes visited in 2014, pleasantries may be exchanged by fans outside of the stadium — and even that may be a stretch in this case — but Colorado is a team that will likely booed early and often at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers hold a 49-18-2 series lead, with the last meeting occurring in 2010. That year, then-No. 16 Nebraska bested the Buffaloes 45-17, giving them a three-game win streak over their now-former conference foes. Mike MacIntyre enters his sixth season with Colorado sporting a 26-38 record following the Buffaloes’ recent win over Colorado State. His teams have finished better than dead last in the Pac-12 South on only one occasion. In 2016, the Buffaloes represented the division in the conference’s championship game, losing to No. 4 Washington 41-10 before dropping an Alamo Bowl appearance to No. 13 Oklahoma State 38-8. With not much to talk about regarding Nebraska’s Saturday activities besides a revamped Tunnel Walk and festivities in the rain that included a somewhat modest streaker — boxer shorts were still part of the ensemble — let’s address the Huskers’ second try at a 2018 season opener, and let's hope that this one goes on as scheduled. Colorado at Nebraska Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 3:30 p.m. ET TV: ABC Spread: Nebraska -4.5 Three Things to Watch 1. Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez vs. the world If there’s one person who was the most impacted by the lack of a game last Saturday, it’s probably Martinez. It would’ve been amazingly beneficial for him to see live action and get used to both success and adversity on the field. “I felt that I was prepared and ready to go regardless. I was excited. I wasn’t nervous,” Martinez said during Monday’s press conference. 2. Colorado quarterback Steven Montez vs. an inexperienced Nebraska defense Montez looked fantastic against Colorado State's defense — one that, to be fair, has given up an average of 44 points per game (110th in the nation). Not only was he nearly flawless through the air, going 22-for-25 while throwing for 338 yards and four touchdowns against a lone interception, but he also contributed 34 yards and a score on the ground. That athleticism will be key to giving Colorado an edge heading into Saturday, as this game may turn into a track meet. With the aid of running backs Travon McMillian, Kyle Evans and Beau Bisharat, the Buffaloes have a wealth of legitimate running threats in addition to Montez. Should Colorado choose to challenge Nebraska’s coverage skills, Laviska Shenault Jr. and K.D. Nixon are both up to the challenge, as they combined for 323 yards and two touchdowns on 17 receptions versus the Rams. It’s extremely likely that Colorado takes advantage of a few Nebraska miscues, which will result in points. The over as of this writing sits at 66.5 points. I’m not about to encourage you to lose your child’s college fund, but that’s a tempting take. 3. Nebraska’s tempo vs. Colorado’s game experience Yes, the fact that the Buffaloes have actually played against a team wearing opposite colors is a major plus. Every member of the Colorado roster who played got that much more experience in live action, while the Huskers have been beating up on each other. It doesn’t help the Nebraska effort that the Buffaloes have both studied film from Frost’s time at UCF and run some similar schemes on both offense and defense. That said, there’s one thing that Colorado cannot replicate and that’s the Huskers’ overall offensive speed. The pace that Nebraska’s new staff has implemented hasn’t gone away, nor have the Huskers stopped practicing it. While Colorado State’s offensive successes against the Buffaloes were few and far between, Colorado did show gaps where an up-tempo offense with quick and agile skill players could make a huge difference. Whether taking out frustrations on the Rams will do them many favors down the road remains to be seen. Final Analysis Well, Nebraska didn’t play last week, and Colorado beat a team that at least looks like it’ll field one of the worst defenses in the country. While some of Frost’s tendencies are available for defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot to attempt to exploit, his track record isn’t the best. When Eliot served in the same role at Kentucky under Mark Stoops, the Wildcats surrendered an average of over 30 points per game. His numbers didn’t improve much last season, as the Buffaloes held the opposition to an average of 28 points per contest. Colorado has a respectable play-caller in Darrin Chiaverini, and as we’ve discussed, he has the weapons to do damage. This game likely comes down to whether or not the Buffaloes can keep up with the Nebraska offense and cause the Big Red defense to make more than its fair share of mistakes. Prediction: Nebraska 45, Colorado 31 — Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, FWAA member and part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@eightlaces), and keep up with the Quick N Dirty podcasts on his Patreon page. (Top photo by Joe Flanagan, courtesy of Brandon Cavanaugh)<doc-sep>Lincoln, NE (68508) Today Thunderstorms - some locally heavy downpours are possible, especially late. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms - some locally heavy downpours are possible, especially late. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.<doc-sep>Colorado won at Nebraska in the most thrilling game of college football’s Week 2 so far on Saturday, 33-28. The Buffaloes scored the winning touchdown with 1:17 left on a 40-yard lob from Steven Montez to Laviska Shenault, after tons of back-and-forth. CORRECTION : Mais quelle passe de QB Steven Montez pour WR Laviska Shenault Jr ! Les Buffaloes repassent devant à 1:06 de la fin ! Quelle fin de match ! Nebraska 28, Colorado 33pic.twitter.com/gRMiOMdAnK — TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) September 8, 2018 That touchdown was only part of the story, though. It was made possible by an ill-conceived personal foul that Nebraska defensive back Antonio Reed took just before it. The Buffs faced a third-and-24 from their own 45-yard line, and a Montez pass fell incomplete. But a late hit by Reed on receiver Jay MacIntyre netted CU 15 yards and an automatic first down: Nebraska had Colorado stopped on 3rd down.... But Antonio Reed was flagged for this hit pic.twitter.com/askUA9PHiO — Prime Bam Childress (@fearthe_beard11) September 8, 2018 Instead of facing fourth-and-24, Colorado moved up and had a wealth of options. Facing press coverage, Shenault got free for the winning score on the next play. Nebraska freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez had a brilliant game, completing 15 of 20 passes for 187 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and running 15 times for 117 yards and two more scores. (He also lost a fumble.) A Martinez injury late in the fourth quarter forced the Huskers to play walk-on backup Andrew Bunch, who guided them to the CU 20 on the final drive of the game but couldn’t finish it off with a touchdown to win. Below, a chronology of the game: Fourth quarter CU 33, NU 28 A false start on Nebraska backs the Huskers up to the Colorado 26, as walk-on Andrew Bunch tries to win the game. That penalty came with a 10-second runoff, which the Huskers avoided (with 19 seconds left) by using their last timeout. CU 33, NU 28 With walk-on Andrew Bunch at QB, the Huskers are trying to mount a game-winning touchdown drive. Adrian Martinez won’t return to the game, ABC reported. CU 33, NU 28 Touchdown, Colorado. A 40-yard heave down the right sideline from Steven Montez to Laviska Shenault with 1:06 on the clock. Antonio Reed’s personal foul moments earlier gave the Buffaloes a chance, and they didn’t miss it. CU missed the two-point conversion. NU 28, CU 27 Nebraska’s Antonio Reed just made the error of the game. After Colorado had an incomplete pass on third-and-24 from midfield, a high hit on CU’s Jay MacIntyre went for a 15-yard personal foul that wasn’t called targeting. (It was ruled an unnecessary hit against a defenseless player. Colorado’s now at the Nebraska 40 after a 15-yard penalty. 1:14 left. NU 28, CU 27 Colorado quarterback Steven Montez just got sacked for the seventh time, this one at the hands of Nebraska’s Ben Stille. (Nebraska only had 14 sacks as a team in all of 2017.) Colorado faces a third-and-19 at midfield with 1:18 left. NU 28, CU 27 Spelling an injured Adrian Martinez, walk-on Nebraska QB Andrew Bunch almost converted on a third-and-16, but JD Spielman lost the ball trying to reach for a first down, leading to an incomplete-pass call and a Nebraska punt. Now the Buffaloes are driving, approaching midfield. Any points on this drive would put them ahead. Inside two minutes to play. NU 28, CU 27 Adrian Martinez is injured after he appeared to get twisted up while some Buffaloes tackled him. The Huskers earned a holding penalty on the same play, a 1-yard run over right end. Sophomore walk-on Andrew Bunch is in for Nebraska, facing first-and-20 with 3:29 left. NU 28, CU 27 Colorado’s James Shenault just missed his second field goal of the half — this one from 43 yards, right after a CU interception gave the Buffs a great shot to take the lead. Stefanou’s missed from 37, too, after hitting from 40 and 35 earlier. 4:49 to play. Nebraska ball at its own 26. NU 28, CU 27 Adrian Martinez makes his first big mistake since the first quarter: an interception right into the arms of Colorado linebacker Nate Landman, who runs it back to the Huskers’ 32. 5:58 on the clock. NU 28, CU 27 Another fourth-and-short stop, this one by Nebraska. Colorado turns the ball over on downs with six minutes to play, trailing by a point, and the Huskers get the ball at midfield. Four drives in a row in this game have ended with either missed field goals or turnover on downs. NU 28, CU 27 The back-and-forth continues. The Huskers just got stuffed on a fourth-and-1 at the Colorado 42, and now the Buffaloes have great field position. 7:16 to play in Lincoln. NU 28, CU 27 With 10 minutes to play, Colorado’s James Stefanou just missed a 37-yard field goal wide left. The Huskers missed one on their last drive, too, from 43 yards. NU 28, CU 27 Colorado might’ve just gotten a hell of a break. On a fourth-and-2 from the Buffaloes’ 46, two Huskers converged on Laviska Shenault right before the first-down marker. Officials gave Shenault the spot for a first down, though it didn’t look like they should’ve in real time. A video review didn’t overturn it, and the Buffs march on. NU 28, CU 27 Nebraska’s Barret Pickering sent a 43-yard field goal try wide right, and Colorado’s got the ball with 14-some odd minutes left, approaching its own 40. End of third quarter: Nebraska 28, Colorado 27 A couple of Nebraska receivers and one Colorado DB had a chance to catch an Adrian Martinez lob in the end zone on the last play of the quarter, but nobody did. The Huskers will start the fourth quarter up one, facing second-and-10 from the CU 31. NU 28, CU 27 What a drive by Colorado to get back within a point. Coach’s son Jay MacIntyre finished a 75-yard, 11-play march with an 8-yard touchdown catch on a sort-of screen pass to the flat.<doc-sep>
It’s a rivalry renewed this Saturday when the Colorado Buffaloes (1-0, 0-0 Pac-12) head to Lincoln to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0, Big Ten) in week two of the 2018 college football schedule. Nebraska and Colorado faced each other regularly over the past 80 years. It wasn’t until Colorado joined the Big Seven conference in 1948 that both schools carried out a yearly affair. That arrangement lasted until both teams realigned with their current respective conferences from the Big 12 in 2012. The first meeting between Fred Folsom’s ‘no name’ Colorado team and the Nebraska Bugeaters came 120 years ago on Nov. 17, 1898 in Boulder. It wasn’t much of a contest for the hometown team against the group of mostly young farmers—as a short blip in the evening edition of the Omaha World-Herald read “Nebraskans defeat Boulder.” History is everything in the storied series with a new chapter set to be written between Colorado and Nebraska on Saturday. Scott Frost returns to Lincoln for his first season as head coach of the Cornhuskers after pulling off an undefeated season and a share of (some sort of) a national championship at UCF last year. With all the success and hype coming into this season at Nebraska, nobody could’ve predicted Frost’s debut would be pushed back a week due to a weather cancellation vs. Akron. It was the Huskers’ first weather-related cancellation since the 1940s. Colorado hasn’t fared well historically at Memorial Stadium with just eight wins in 34 tries. But it’s a new era for both programs that won’t take history into account. The Buffs picked up a 45-13 win over Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown and Nebraska waits for another shot at their season opener. The Buffs have the “game speed” experience under their belts, along with time to correct mistakes before seeing the Cornhuskers. On the other hand, Nebraska takes Colorado’s game film from the RMS with nothing to offer in return. “As coaches, of course we want to get the film and get to work on it, but we didn’t get any,” CU coach Mike MacIntyre noted. Frost is likely to run a similar offensive style to what was orchestrated at UCF— at least a version of that is what the Buffs are preparing for. “Film does matter, but hopefully our offense, defense and special teams will be able to handle anything they give us.” Frost sees the Buffaloes as a talented team under MacIntyre. “They’re coached very well,” Frost told the Omaha World-Herald. “You don’t see them out of position ever. They’ve got a middle linebacker that made a bunch of plays, some really good guys on the secondary, some good guys up front. I think schematically they do some really good things on offense, had two receivers that played really well and a quarterback that had great numbers.” A total of 34 players made their Colorado debut against the Rams, including 11 players making their first career start. The result was six different players scoring touchdowns as the Buffs posted their most points against Colorado State since 1996. Buffs QB Steven Montez put together a solid offseason and it showed on Friday night. He set a school record for highest completion percentage per 15 attempts (22-of-25 88%, 338 passing yards and five total TD’s). He shattered the previous mark set by Kordell Stewart (81.3%) at Baylor in 1992. Some of the noticeable differences from last season to CU’s opener was Montez’s composure in the pocket and abililty to distribute his passes to five of CU’s primary receiving targets (four with a touchdown reception). Laviska Shenault grew into his starting role quite well, leading all Buffs receivers with 11 receptions for 211 yards, including a 89-yard touchdown catch and run. On the ground, the Buffs rushing attack of Travon McMillian, Kyle Evans and Beau Bisharat beat down CSU’s defense for 214 yards on the night. Colorado faces a Nebraska defense with a 3-4 scheme similar to their own—using two inside linebackers instead of a hybrid safety Buff backer. Expect the new-look Cornhuskers to play with more of a tenacious approach from previous years. Nebraska’s first-year defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, like many others, followed Frost from UCF to Nebraska seeing the opportunity to build a better defense. Chinander’s task of shifting linebackers Luke Gifford or Caleb Tannor, along with Tyrin Ferguson or Breon Dixon into pass rush situations using multiple formations is a necessary tool to execute consistent pressure on Montez.