NU RUSH OFFENSE vs. CU RUSH DEFENSE
Nebraska, which has run the ball nearly 70 percent of the time during its four-game winning streak, got a boost last week when freshman Rex Burkhead returned to the lineup. He had just six carries but will likely have more opportunities today, considering Roy Helu has averaged almost 25 rush attempts in three games. Colorado's run defense, allowing 162.7 yards per game, ranks 10th in the conference.
NU PASS OFFENSE vs. CU PASS DEFENSE
WR Niles Paul caught his eighth pass of 35 yards or more against Kansas State last week. He's been responsible for 55 percent of NU's receiving yards in the last four games. TE Mike McNeill has emerged lately too, catching seven passes in two games. But CU's pass defense ranks fourth in the Big 12. CBs Cha'pelle Brown and Jimmy Smith could be experienced enough to handle NU's play-action passing game.
CU RUSH OFFENSE vs. NU RUSH DEFENSE
CU, the nation's eighth-worst running team, has averaged just 57.1 yards on the ground during their eight losses. Rodney Stewart is the team leader, running for 69.4 yards per game. NU has eliminated the big play on the ground, allowing just five runs of 20 or more yards in Big 12 play. The longest went for 24 (last week). Suh and DT Jared Crick take up space in the middle, while LB Phillip Dillard and others make the plays outside.
CU PASS OFFENSE vs. NU PASS DEFENSE
Tyler Hansen has won the QB job over Cody Hawkins, though neither has been consistently productive. CU has a talented pass-catcher in Scotty McKnight, who has 69 receptions. He may not get the ball often today, though. Colorado allows an average of 3.91 sacks per game, ranking 117th nationally. Nebraska, the conference's best pass defense at 182.3 yards per game, has allowed four touchdowns through the air all year.
SPECIAL TEAMS
CU's Brian Lockridge ranks third among Big 12 kickoff return men, averaging 24.1 yards per chance. He returned one for a TD against OSU last week. But NU opponents, on average, have started at their own 22-yard line after kickoffs the last four games. Nobody in the Big 12 has punted more than Colorado's Matt DiLallo, who averages just 38.3 yards per kick. Alex Henery's placed seven punts inside the 3 this year.
INTANGIBLES
Nebraska has all the pressure in this one, hoping to sustain momentum before meeting Texas in the Big 12 championship. The Buffaloes, submerged in the miseries of an eight-loss season, are looking for a turning point in coach Dan Hawkins' campaign. They will try to play spoiler today, a role that's traditionally served the underdog well in this matchup. NU has won four consecutive conference road games by at least 10.
NU WILL WIN IF
It dominates the line of scrimmage on both ends. The Huskers are normally active on the defensive front, but they have to run the ball well too.
CU WILL WIN IF
It eliminates costly gaffes and finds a way to steal momentum with big plays early. See last year's formula — minus the improbable, game-winning kick.
OUR TAKE
The sideshow that seems to annually accompany this rivalry might be more intriguing than the actual game. The two programs have been seesawing between respectability and futility for eight years. Nebraska's on the rise this time, hoping that coach Bo Pelini's week-long attempt to keep his team focused works. CU is eyeing an upset, which would provide somewhat of a boost after a tumultuous year. The Buffs have to be near-flawless to accomplish that, though, and against NU, that's not an easy task.
PREDICTION: Nebraska 20, Colorado 6
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