After blowing out Akron last week, the expectation from the fans is for Nebraska to repeat that performance. While I agree it’s possible, I think this game will be just a little different this week against Houston Christian. Houston Christian is arguably a less talented team than Akron, but Nebraska isn’t just preparing for HCU; they must also keep Michigan in mind.
Nebraska played starters into the 3rd quarter last week. I doubt that will happen again. We need to keep our players fresh and healthy; we can’t get injured in a game that really doesn’t matter. I expect starters to go out at half, ideally before the half, but it’s a balance between keeping guys fresh and not letting rust set in.
Houston Christian isn’t exactly a powerhouse, and Nebraska should be able to take care of business easily. The score won’t be a teller on whether we win this game, but the way we play will. It’s one thing to blow out a team and be sloppy; it’s another to put them away while being disciplined. The main things Nebraska will need to focus on are: Can we stop the run? Can we get to the QB? Can we run the ball? Can we win the turnover battle? Can we execute in the red zone?
For this to be a true win, Nebraska needs to answer those questions. I want to see the Blackshirts hold them to under 3.0 yards a carry, record three or more sacks, and force at least one turnover. If the defense can’t do that against a lower-tier FCS program, then Big Ten play is going to be rough.
On offense, it’s nearly the opposite: we need to average at least 5.0 ypc, allow zero sacks on Raiola, zero turnovers, and take care of business in the red zone. The talent gap in this game is so huge that Nebraska should have zero issues completing those tasks.
My final score prediction is 56-6. HCU is going to run the ball a lot, meaning the clock will be running and giving Nebraska less time to score. Should Nebraska be able to shut them out? Yes, but when was the last time Nebraska shut out two opponents in a row? Sometimes the ball bounces funny, a bad penalty happens, or a trick play catches you off guard. Nebraska starts 3-0 and prepares for the real test: Michigan.