Tony’s Take: Predicting the final score of Colorado vs. Nebraska

For Colorado Buffaloes fans basking in their return to the Big 12 Conference , Saturday’s resumption of the rivalry with the Nebraska Cornhuskers is a glimpse into the past. While that past has been mired with losing to Big Red, CU has gotten the better of Nebraska this century.

Both teams come into the game 1-0, but the comparisons stop there. Nebraska was a big favorite against a less-talented UTEP Miners squad, manhandling them en route to a 40-7 win. The Buffs played the class of the Football Championship Subdivision, the North Dakota State Bison, and controlled the second half before winning 31-26.

I said last week that beating NDSU is a better barometer for what CU’s season can be because of the Bison’s punch-you-in-the-mouth style of play. This should have the Buffs ready for what Nebraska will throw at them, at least offensively. Much like NDSU, the Cornhuskers have a strong defensive front, so the Buffs’  offensive line will again be tested. However, the Buffs should be able to exploit Nebraska’s secondary as they did to the Bison.

On defense, the Buffs must get after Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola and not let him get comfortable in front of the Memorial Stadium crowd. The Buffs played the run well in Week 1, and if CU can keep Nebraska in third-and-long situations while putting the game on Raiola’s shoulders, victory is likely.

I believe the Buffs’ improved fronts will continue their solid play. CU should get some turnovers as it did in last year’s matchup to flip the field and cash in easy scoring opportunities.

Final score prediction: Colorado 31, Nebraska 28

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