Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The 2013 season kicks off between The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Wyoming Cowboys tonight at Memorial Stadium. Let’s take a look at some of the matchups so we know what to expect.
Nebraska Offense vs. Wyoming Defense
When the Huskers offense is on the filed you can expect to see balanced gameplan. Look for them to go to work on the ground. Wyoming was one of the worst teams a year ago at stopping the run. They were ranked 117th against the run which is towards the tail end of the entire FBS. Wyoming was 67th against the pass. The Huskers definitely have the edge in this matchup as their backfield is deep and at receiver they are even deeper.
Matchup Outlook:
Look for the Huskers to move the ball throughout the game with great efficiency. Senior Taylor Martinez and the Huskers will be able to score points against a suspect defense like Wyoming’s. The Cowboys can only hope to slow Nebraska’s offense because of the weapons they have across the board.
Wyoming Offense vs. Nebraska Defense
Wyoming’s offense is led by junior quarterback Brett Smith who was one of the most efficient passers in the nation last season. He also can run so the defense must be aware at all times. The Nebraska defense matches up well in the secondary, which is where most of the Blackshirts experience is. The question will be how the Nebraska front seven performs against a dual threat quarterback. These types of quarterbacks have given the Huskers fits over the past couple seasons since joining the Big Ten.
Matchup Outlook:
Look for Wyoming to have some success but not enough to keep it close. The defense for the Huskers is young sprinkled with youth and experience. There will be too much pressure on Smith as Wyoming doesn’t have a proven running back. If Nebraska forces Wyoming to be one dimensional and throw the ball, this battle will favor the Huskers. Overall this matchup seems to be even.
Nebraska Special Teams vs. Wyoming Special Teams
We still have an unknown at the kicker spot as the coaching staff hasn’t announced if redshirt sophomore Mauro Bandi or walk-on transfer senior Pat Smith will take over the kicking duties. It is clear that Sam Foltz will get his chance at punter as he continues to be impressive from the spring practice all the way up to the season opener. Much like Nebraska’s kicking game, Wyoming is facing a competition as well. . Junior Stuart Williams will kick field goals for the Cowboys. He led the team in total points last season.
Matchup Outlook
This matchup is even. Both teams don’t completely know who will start. Wyoming hasn’t named a punter and Nebraska hasn’t named a kicker.
Game Outlook
Look for the score to be close for a quarter, maybe a half, but in the end the Huskers prevail and win their 28th consecutive home opener. The Huskers are way too athletic to slip up against the Cowboys in this one.
Score Prediction Nebraska 45 Wyoming 14