In week two the Huskers will be looking for revenge as the Deion Sanders led Colorado Buffaloes come to town. Last year’s mistake riddled game ended up with a 36-14 Colorado win. The game in totality seemed more than just a let down, but a precursor to what Husker fans would come to expect for the totality of the 2023 season. It was one of those games that the hype leading into had every fan on the edge of their seat. Especially after the Buffalos victory over a TCU team that had just been in the playoffs the previous year. Husker fans were beyond excited to see this rivalry one more time, and this time with the added twist of the polarizing figure Deion Sanders at the helm. That day was one that Nebraskan’s rushed to get out of their mind as soon as the fourth quarter was over. Is there more disappointment in store for Cornhusker faithful, or has Rhule righted this ship.
The two head coaches could not be different. Sanders, flashy and all about the star. While Rhule focuses on the family aspect of the team. Sanders says that he does not do home visits while recruiting because “Athletes families would rather come see where i live”, while Rhule’s main goal is to make the recruit feel as if he is a part of their family. Sanders spends more time in the portal than Quinn Mallory from the hit 1990’s Fox TV series Sliders, while Rhule aims to develop high school talent as much as possible.
Even though Colorado only outgained Nebraska by 100 yards that day, it felt like there was nothing this Huskers offense could do. Not for the fact that the Buffs defense was stout, or even that they had a good game but for the fact that all 4 of Nebraska’s turnovers came in very inopportune situations. With Raiola the projected starter and Coach Rhule in year two, hopefully the Cornhuskers have fixed this detrimental misfortune. Colorado also threw for an outstanding 393 yards while holding Nebraska to just 106 passing yards. With the new additions in the receiver room along with the development of returning players, I do not see Nebraska getting held to under 200 yards passing all season and yes, I am including the Ohio State game.
Nebraska had a rushing attack led by Gabe Ervin who had 74 yards while Nebraska managed to get 222 total yards on the ground which will be much improved this year. A couple new faces in the running back room, experienced talent, a much improved line and a passing attack will all lead to a running attack that will use Colorados’ defensive speed against them.
Nebraska is a much different team in 2024 than the Buffalos saw in 2023. With a significantly improved quarterback and receiver room, a more experienced offensive line and running back room Nebraska’s offense should be increasingly better than the previous year. Pair that with a defense that is scheduled to be a top 10 unit in the country, I think the Sanders led buffaloes are in a bit over their head in this prime time matchup.
