Greg McElroy Shares Pick for Colorado vs. Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Colorado Buffaloes are trying to end bowl-game droughts this season. Nebraska last went to a bowl game in 2016, while Colorado's was in 2020.

The two programs meet on the gridiron again this season for their 74th all-time matchup. Last season, Colorado beat Nebraska 36-14 in Boulder. The Cornhuskers struggled and gave the ball away to Colorado four times in the loss. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders had 393 passing yards with three touchdowns.

After Deion Sanders and Colorado got the better of Nebraska last year, Greg McElroy predicted a different outcome for 2024. On a recent "Always College Football" episode, McElroy picked Nebraska to win this season's meeting.

"...I'm taking Nebraska," McElroy said. "I think they have grown drastically with their offensive personnel. When you look back at last year's game, there were areas in the game in which they had some advantages. The problem is they just couldn't seem to get out of their own way. ...I think [Cornhuskers coach] Matt Rhule is smart enough to know that if he tries to turn this thing into a track meet, that is an advantage in favor of Colorado. I like Nebraska."

The Cornhuskers added players from the transfer portal, such as former Texas Longhorns receiver Isaiah Neyor, former Oregon Ducks running back Dante Dowdell, former USC Trojans cornerback Ceyair Wright and former Wake Forest Demon Deacons wideout Jahmal Banks.

Colorado has talented players like Sanders, two-star standout Travis Hunter, defensive back Shilo Sanders, receiver Jimmy Horn, edge rusher Dayon Hayes and wideout LaJohntay Wester.

Kickoff from Memorial Stadium is at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Related: Greg McElroy Picks Winner of Texas vs. Michigan