The Colorado Buffaloes and Nebraska Cornhuskers got back in action a season ago, but now the long-storied rivalry will pick up again on Saturday in Lincoln. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM ET and will be available on NBC and Peacock.
Both programs come into the game with 1-0 records but have loftier goals than beating their long-time rivals. Both Nebraska and Colorado have seen high-level success, followed by long draughts of struggles. Both coaches Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule are scrutinized every weekend, and their teams are watched like hawks.
The fans in Boulder and Lincoln expect and demand more from their programs. Both the Cornhuskers and Buffaloes have an exciting quarterback, and tools to use on both sides of the football. We are expecting this game to wrap up as one of the best Week 2 games of the season.
Past History
This is the 73rd meeting between these two teams. Nebraska has won 26 out of 35 at home in the long history. Last season, the Buffaloes made quick and easy work of Nebraska winning 36-14. The game started scoreless after one, but Colorado scored all 36 in the next three quarters.
The very first matchup was back in 1898 when Nebraska beat Colorado 23-10. The biggest blowout between these two teams came back in 1981 when the Cornhuskers smashed the Buffaloes 59-0. Before the rivalry ended for a bit, the Buffaloes won a tight one in 2019 by a score of 34-31. Many will remember the shoot-out in 2007 where the teams combined for 116 points in a 65-51 win for Colorado.
We highlighted the Buffaloes’ struggles in Lincoln, but the last time they played there, they won. They beat the Cornhuskers 33-28 in 2018. The stretch of 1968-1985 was dominated by the Cornhuskers. They won 18 straight games during that span.
What to Expect
This should be a Shedeur Sanders against Dylan Raiola battle royale. Sanders was one of the top performers in Week 1. He finished with 445 passing yards and four touchdowns. He did throw a poor interception, but finished with an 81.9 QBR. Sanders carried the ball six times in the win, for 17 yards, but moving the chains with his legs has been an added plus for the Buffaloes.
Raiola has a ton of hype, and rightfully so. The freshman out of Georgia has a strong arm and can run when needed. He was 19 of 27 for 238 yards and two scores in the blowout win in Week 1. He did not need to run against UTEP, but getting away from Colorado defenders could be in the cards for Week 2.
Raiola will need to look out for Travis Hunter, hunting down passes. Hunter was not only impressive in receiving three touchdowns, but also defending the best pass catchers last week. If the game needs a deal breaker following the quarterback play, Hunter is probably the guy.
In the end, can the offensive line of the Buffaloes hold up with Nebraska coming at them? Can Matt Rhule pick up a big victory, and keep the Cornhuskers alive in potential Big Ten teams to make a run at the Top 12? Who will win the battle of quarterbacks?
These questions and more will all be answered Saturday night in Lincoln.