3 keys to victory, 3 big questions for Nebraska football's game against Colorado

The stakes are high as Nebraska football prepares to take on Colorado this Saturday. It's not a "must-win" for the Huskers to have a successful season. But let's be honest: it's a must-win in the sense that the program and fanbase need a feel-good win in the worst way.

Here are my three keys to a Husker victory followed by three big questions that might make you worry heading into Saturday.

3 keys to a Nebraska football victory over Colorado

1. Limit Colorado's big plays

This is the key of all keys. The most important facet of the game, in my mind. Nebraska will win if they can limit Colorado's explosive plays. What does "limit" mean? I see it a couple of ways:

• Limit explosive touchdown plays to one or none.
• Limit non-touchdown explosive plays (25+ yards) to three or fewer.

Colorado is not a team that is built to drive the ball 70 or 80 yards. They proved that last week by running for 59 yards on 23 carries against an undersized North Dakota State defense. With Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, and company, working the middle, I don't see Colorado improving on that just one week later.

Should the Blackshirts stymie the Buffaloes' ground game with the D-line, they'll be able to drop 7-8 in coverage and make things difficult for Shedeur Sanders and his receivers.

2. Stay on schedule on offense

Explosive plays are the king of college football these days. But there's something to be said for chewing the clock and keeping the best players on the opposing team on the sideline. Last week against a quick-paced offense, Nebraska took the ball to start and went on a 12-play, 72-yard, 5:54 drive that made Bob Devaney stand up in his grave. It was a thing to behold.

Don't think for a minute the Nebraska football team won't try to do that again this week against Colorado. Oh, they'll go fast and throw deep when they need to. But Matt Rhule wants Nebraska to be a "body blow" offense and Colorado's defense is not built for that kind of fight.

Last week, Colorado gave up 449 yards to NDSU, who no one will mistake for the 1999 St. Louis Rams. The Bison also held a 13-minute advantage in time of possession. I expect a big day through the air and on the ground for the Huskers.

3. Win the turnover margin

Shocker, right? Turnovers have been a point of emphasis for Matt Rhule all offseason and Nebraska was +1 in their first game. Last year against Colorado, Nebraska had four turnovers: two in the first quarter and three for the half. By that point, the game was decided.

Hold onto the ball and take it away and Nebraska will come out on top.

Now, here are three big questions

3 big questions that might have Nebraska football fans worried

1. How will Nebraska's defense tackle in space?

Colorado's offense is basically three players: Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr. No one else on their offense scares you. But those three are enough to deal with. The Blackshirt defense will need to be disciplined, tackle well, and avoid giving up those explosive plays to Hunter and Horn.

2. Can Nebraska get to Shedeur Sanders rushing just 3 or 4?

Nebraska had eight sacks against Colorado last year. They don't need that many to win this year. But can they get consistent pressure without needing to blitz? Can they pick up 3-4 sacks but hurry Sanders repeatedly and knock him down often? A pass rush leading to bad throws isn't as sexy as a sack, but it can put a dangerous offense out of rhythm.

If the Huskers can get pressure on Sanders, tackling in space suddenly becomes much more manageable. What kind of looks will defensive coordinator Tony White cook up that Colorado hasn't seen to help a three or four-man rush get home?

3. Will Dylan Raiola play like a nervous true freshman?

Last week, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola played the perfect game. Over 72% completion rate, 2 touchdowns, and, most importantly, ZERO turnovers. He doesn't need to repeat that performance exactly, but can he come close? Does he cave under pressure? Or does he lead his team (yes, this is his team already) to a signature victory?

Colorado is likely to draw some things up that Raiola hasn't seen on tape. How will Marcus Satterfield and Glenn Thomas set him up for success? Raiola seems like he was born for moments like this. Will the honeymoon wear off so quickly? I don't think he'll disappoint.

Game Prediction: Nebraska football topples CU

If you have some nervous energy for this game, you aren't alone. It's the biggest game in Lincoln in several years. Husker Nation wants this one. Badly. This is the game that can propel Nebraska back onto the map. And they have the quarterback, the defense, the line play, and a hungry, angry, relentless crowd to do it.

My prediction? The Nebraska football team finally get it done, and win it going away. It's party time in Lincoln.

Huskers 38, Buffaloes 24