Keys to Victory - Nebraska vs Colorado

by T.J. Birkel

All of Husker Nation is anxiously awaiting Saturday’s rivalry matchup with our old friends, the Colorado Buffaloes. On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are four keys to victory for the Huskers, and three keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans. 

Nebraska’s Keys to Victory

RUN. THE. BALL. Everyone is excited about Dylan Raiola, and even more so after the UTEP game. His talent and potential appear to be limitless. And hopefully, he’s on point on Saturday. We’ll need him to manage the offense well, and that will include hitting some timely throws (and hopefully some big throws). Having said that, I hope Nebraska tries to turn this into an old fashioned Big Ten game. I’d love to see them pound the ball right at Colorado for four quarters. As much as the Buffs get the Big Red blood boiling, and we don’t want to give them any credit, we have to acknowledge they have some playmakers on offense. Coach Rhule said this week that quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter could be two of the top five players in the NFL draft. One way to limit their effectiveness on offense is to play keep away. 

Get to the Quarterback. Another way to limit their effectiveness is to prevent them from finding a rhythm on offense. I expect Nebraska’s defensive line to have the advantage over Colorado’s offensive line. They need to get in the backfield and wreak as much havoc as humanly possible. Sanders is a gifted athlete; he is adept at avoiding sacks and throwing on the run. Hopefully we can get him on the ground early and often, but at the very least, we need to see the Huskers causing as much disruption as possible. Don’t let that offense get comfortable. 

Limit Big Plays. Don’t lose your mind if the Buffaloes hit a few big plays on offense (although, as has been discussed regularly on the Common Fan Podcast, the occasional hat throw or couch punch is certainly acceptable). In addition to Sanders and Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr. had almost 200 receiving yards and a touchdown, and LaJohntay Wester caught five balls for 58 yards. I’d love nothing more than to see…

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