What does Colorado need to do to win in Lincoln

The historic rivalry between Colorado and Nebraska will take center stage once again this evening, reigniting one of college football’s oldest matchups. With a history dating back to 1898, these two programs have faced each other 72 times, and although Nebraska holds a commanding lead in the series (49-21-2), Colorado has won the last three contests. Last year, the Buffaloes defeated the Cornhuskers 36-14 in Boulder, a game in which quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 393 yards and two touchdowns.

As the teams prepare to meet for the second straight season, anticipation is high. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has a chance to build on last season's win, while Nebraska looks for redemption under head coach Matt Rhule. For the Buffaloes to extend their winning streak and come out on top, three key strategies must be emphasized.

1. Disrupt Dylan Raiola

Nebraska’s freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola impressed in his collegiate debut last week, completing 67% of his passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Raiola, the Cornhuskers' highly-touted recruit, showcased his arm strength and accuracy, but Saturday’s game against Colorado will be his first major test.

The challenge for Colorado’s defense will be to create confusion for Raiola. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston will need to employ a diverse set of coverages and pressure packages to unsettle the young quarterback. In Week 1, Colorado relied heavily on man coverage, but a more varied defensive scheme might force Raiola into mistakes. If the Buffaloes can rattle the freshman early, it could shift the momentum in their favor.

2. Establish a Reliable Ground Game

Despite an explosive passing attack, Colorado struggled to generate much on the ground in their opener against North Dakota State. Running backs Charlie Offerdahl and Dallan Hayden combined for just 35 rushing yards on 14 carries, which is a concerning statistic heading into this week. If Colorado remains one-dimensional, Nebraska’s defense will have an easier time shutting down Sanders and his talented receiving corps.

To avoid predictability, Colorado must commit to the run game. A balanced offense would force Nebraska to respect both the run and pass, opening up more opportunities for the Buffaloes’ high-powered air attack. Last year, Colorado found success on the ground against Nebraska, with Dylan Edwards and Anthony Hankerson combining for 81 rushing yards. A similar performance is needed to keep the Cornhuskers’ defense off balance.

3. Win the Turnover Battle

Turnovers were critical in last year’s game, as Nebraska committed four, which led to 16 points for Colorado. Limiting mistakes will be crucial for both teams, but especially for Nebraska, as Colorado’s offense can capitalize quickly on extra possessions.

For Colorado, protecting the football will be just as important. Shedeur Sanders has been efficient with the ball, but the Buffaloes will need to stay sharp against a Nebraska defense that showed its ability to create pressure in Week 1. Avoiding turnovers and taking advantage of any Nebraska mistakes could determine the outcome of this game.

Prediction

The environment at Memorial Stadium will be electric, but Colorado has the edge in experience, particularly with Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. If Sanders remains upright and protected by his improved offensive line, he should be able to replicate last year’s success. While Nebraska’s defensive front presents a tough challenge, Sanders’ ability to extend plays and find his receivers could lead to big gains.

On the other side, Dylan Raiola’s talent is undeniable, but his inexperience might show under the pressure of a high-stakes rivalry game. If Colorado’s defense can disrupt his rhythm and force turnovers, the Buffaloes are in prime position to extend their winning streak.

Final Score Prediction: Colorado 30, Nebraska 28