If Nebraska beats UCLA, momentum could swing them in being able to win out. If the Huskers lose, this could derail the homestretch.
Here are three keys to defeating UCLA:
Play defense like last week
It all starts with the Blackshirts. The 2-5 Bruins are not efficient on the ground, as they average 2.5 yards per carry. This should allow Nebraka’s defensive linemen to get after UCLA senior quarterback Ethan Garbers when he attempts to throw it. If Big Red can take away the pass, the Bruins will be in trouble.
Key senior leaders such as defensive linemen Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, safety Isaac Gifford and linebacker John Bullock came back to snap the seven-year bowl drought. The chance of changing the narrative can be led by these veterans.
Let Raiola take some shots early
It’s time that Nebraska goes back to pushing the football down the field with freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. No more of the constant swing and screen passes for no gain. The offensive line has been solid in pass blocking. Sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd is a name to watch in these final four games. His track speed, with Raiola’s arm strength, could create a nice connection to create some big plays.
UCLA is allowing 268.7 passing yards per game, which is 118th in the country. The weather could be a factor on Saturday. A high of 62 degrees at kickoff, wind guesting up to 23 mph and a 40 percent chance of rain could interfere with NU’s passing game, but they should do everything in their power to capitalize on the weak pass defense.
If the weather is unfavorable, perhaps Raiola will use his legs, as he did last week.
Utilize Haarberg in the red zone
This is more doubtful than probable, but man it would be nice to see. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield will potentially be coaching for this job in the final four games. He might have a different strategy since the Huskers have continued to struggle with punching the football in.
Nebraska has shown flashes of Haarberg but hasn’t stuck to it. The Huskers’ red zone offense is 127th in the country. They will have to find new ways to be effective in scoring the football. Satterfield and company can’t afford to leave points on the board the rest of the way.
Prediction
With the weather being a possible factor, this screams ‘get’er done,’ blue-collar football. The Blackshirts should be playing their favorite type of game. I expect Raiola to make some great plays to move the football down the field, but this game will be won by the Blackshirts.
I anticipate UCLA to significantly struggle in moving the ball downfield. It might get ugly, no records should be broken, but what’s wrong with a dominant defensive performance? Memorial Stadium will be rocking, a taste of postseason play is in the air. Nebraska has its best opportunity to become bowl-eligible when the Bruins roll into Lincoln, 21-7, Nebraska wins. It’s time for these upperclassmen to finally get it done.
Take a deeper dive on what’s at stake: BigRedwBSchneid – Will Nebraska become bowl-eligible after UCLA