Get ready for some fireworks, Nebraska football fans, and not just from the light show that will take place before the fourth quarter of the Akron game.

Nebraska football is a 33.5-point favorite. If I knew that the Huskers were going to play their starters all four quarters, I’d say they will easily cover the spread.

However, with just two non-conference games left ahead of the grind that is the Big Ten schedule, Nebraska will likely try to play as many guys as they can, and some rest others, as long as they can grab control of the game early.

Akron allowed over 400 yards of total offense last week. The Zips also scored zero points. Ben Finley is an experienced quarterback, but the skill players are young, and the defense is suspect.

Looking ahead to the first home game on Saturday night, here are three bold predictions for Nebraska football vs. Akron.

The Huskers pass for 300 yards

You’ll notice I didn’t write Dylan Raiola throws for 300 yards, because I don’t think he will be in the game long enough to throw for 300 yards. It will be like UTEP last season. The Huskers will probably score a few touchdowns in the first half, then maybe another in the third, then hand things over to TJ Lateef, at least in an ideal world.

As much as people want to talk about Trae Taylor, rightfully so, Lateef could be the next starter for the Huskers. At the very least, he’s the backup for this season and next.

The only way to be experienced is to get experience. It would be great to see Lateef and some of the young receivers like Quinn Clark get a chance to dial up some big plays, even if the game is out of hand.

The D-line bounces back

Akron doesn’t have much experience in the running back room, but two of the Zips’ running backs (Sean Patrick and Marquese Williams) averaged more than five yards per attempt last week. The backup quarterback (Michael Johnson Jr.) did, too, on some designed runs.

That will provide a decent test for the run defense and the defensive line. That group has been criticized for over a week. Defensive coordinator John Butler called them out.

It’s hard to have a good defense without a good defensive line. It just is. So improvement this week is important. Yet, it will come in the form of 3-4 sacks and around 3.0 yards per carry allowed on defense.

Mekhi Nelson has at least 50 rushing yards

Matt Rhule and Dana Holgorsen each said this week that Emmett Johnson needs fewer carries. He can’t carry the ball 25 times per game if they want him to last the entire season.

Nebraska will surely give Johnson the ball early in the game, but it should try to get him some rest. The coaching staff has been talking about Mekhi Nelson, and finally, he’ll get 10-12 carries to show what he can do.

My guess is at least one touchdown and at least 50 yards rushing.

Score prediction: Nebraska 45, Akron 10

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