3 bold predictions for Nebraska vs. Washington

With the sting of disappointment still lingering, Nebraska football, fresh off a bye week, will finally get a chance to wash that taste out of its mouth against Washington.

The Huskies started the season ranked in the AP Top 25. Forgetting about beating teams that are ranked, Nebraska has dropped 10 straight to teams that began their season ranked, even if they weren’t ranked at the time of the game.

In short, the Huskers have struggled against quality teams. That hasn’t been the case this year. Nebraska outplayed Oregon and Indiana, but squandered chances to put those wins away.

Still, the Huskers control their own destiny. A win puts them at 6-2 with four winnable games in November. Looking ahead to tonight, Nebraska football is a 7.5-point favorite. Here are three bold predictions and a score.

Nebraska doubles up Washington on the ground

Washington has one of the worst rushing offenses in the Big Ten. They are 17th out of 18 teams and average just 2.8 yards per rush in Big Ten games.

Jedd Fisch wants to throw the ball down the field. Demond Williams is probable, and the star quarterback will likely get the start. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He’s also Washington’s second-leading rusher.

After a bye week, all three of Nebraska’s running backs are healthy. The offensive line is relatively healthy, too. I feel like that group will be motivated. Anthony Colandrea, fresh off his new deal, will have over 50 yards rushing, and Nebraska will run for over 150, while Washington won’t break 75.

Anthony Colandrea goes for 300 and 3 TDs

The signing of Colandrea should give a jolt of energy through this program. Nebraska football found a playmaker at quarterback, and the Huskers have him locked up for the next season.

Colandrea already seemed due for a big game. Washington is ranked 12th in passing yards allowed in the Big Ten, just like they are ranked 12th in rushing yards allowed.

Iowa scored 42 points on these guys. Ryan Walter, the Washington DC, loves to run Cover 1 and Cover 2. That should allow Colandrea to make plays with his feet. Jacory Barney, Kwazi Gilmer, and yes, Nyziah Hunter can win against these corners in man-to-man, too.

If Nebraska can get the running game going, it will hit some explosive plays in the passing game. Colandrea will throw for 250, run for 50, and account for three total touchdowns.

The stadium won’t even need fireworks. Colandrea will provide them.

Multiple interceptions

Washington is ranked 17th in the Big Ten in rushing yards and sacks allowed. The Huskies don’t run the ball well and don’t protect the quarterback. Those things generally go hand in hand.

Nebraska’s run defense is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry. It stuffed Indiana. Washington will be forced to be one-dimensional. That will allow Rob Aurich to get into his bag of tricks, which leads to a pair of Nebraska interceptions. They get Williams twice in a double-digit win, while most of his yards will come when trailing.

Score prediction: Nebraska 38, Washington 21.