5 things to know about Nebraska football vs. Michigan

After a couple of cupcakes, Nebraska football will face its most difficult test of the season so far as the No. 21 Michigan Wolverines come to Memorial Stadium on Saturday (2:30 PM CST).

It’s a game many have circled on their calendars. It’s fair to say it’s the biggest game of the Matt Rhule era, at least up to this point, and here are five things to know about Nebraska football vs. Michigan.

Odds/How to watch

Michigan is a 1.5-point favorite. The over/under is 44.5. CBS will broadcast the game with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson on the call. Biff Poggi will be the interim head coach for Michigan. Sherrone Moore is suspended.

Bryce Underwood can run

Nebraska allowed Brendan Sorsby to run the ball 13 times for 96 yards in Week 1. Not many of those were designed runs. It was mostly him breaking the pocket and scrambling.

That’s what Bryce Underwood was able to do last week against Central Michigan. He basically didn’t run against Oklahoma or New Mexico, yet he rushed for 114 yards on Saturday, along with two touchdowns.

That’s something that should worry Nebraska football fans. It’s easy to say you can spy him, but that takes away a defender that is solely focused on Underwood, who can do just as much, if not more damage from the pocket, if he has time.

Nebraska DC John Butler might want to take some pointers from the Oklahoma game plan. But containing Underwood, as a runner and thrower, will be a key to success.

Don’t forget about Justice Haynes

Michigan’s starting running back, Justice Haynes, is a former five-star transfer from Alabama. He’s leading the Big Ten in rushing yards this season (388) and has three runs of longer than 56 yards this season, including a 76-yard touchdown run against Oklahoma.

The Huskers have allowed four yards per rushing attempt this season and 136 yards total per game. Much of the focus is on Underwood, but if the Wolverines can pound the rock, they will be happy to do it all game long.

All three opponent starting running backs against Nebraska this season have averaged more than five yards per rushing attempt, and giving up a home run to Haynes could be a backbreaker.

Nebraska’s stingy pass defense

The Huskers only have five sacks this season. Yet, they are only allowing teams to pass for 66 yards per game. Nobody has thrown for over 100 yards.

Underwood threw for 146 against Oklahoma. He likely throws for over 100, but it’s not guaranteed. Nebraska needs to challenge Michigan’s receivers, and they need to apply pressure. It could lead to some big plays, but it also might lead to some freshman mistakes, like we have seen the past two weeks from Underwood.

Michigan’s D-line is fierce

The Wolverines have had eight sacks this season, but only one has come from a full-time defensive lineman. Jaishawn Barham played EDGE last week and got two sacks. He’s a name to remember along with Derrick Moore, Rayshaun Benny, and TJ Guy.

Michigan is allowing just 2.6 yards per rushing attempt. So the run defense has been stellar. Most of what they allowed was to John Mateer, who ran the ball 19 times at QB for the Sooners.

Dylan Raiola isn’t going to do that. He’s barely going to run, although a first down or two would be helpful. The bottom line is that Nebraska’s offensive line needs to prove itself.

It needs to win the battle up front, or Nebraska will struggle to win this game.

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