3 bold predictions for Huskers in Nebraska vs. Michigan

After a 3-0 start, Nebraska football still isn’t getting any respect. The way to change that is by beating Michigan on Saturday.

The 21st-ranked Wolverines are 2-1. They have already lost a marquee game on the road to Oklahoma. Michigan also has a true freshman quarterback, even though he is a superstar in the making, and is without its head coach due to suspension from the Connor Stalions case.

Matt Rhule, on the other hand, is in his third season. This is when his teams take off. Nebraska football has allowed the fewest passing yards in the country, while throwing for 366 per game. The Huskers won their past two games — over Houston Christian and Akron — 127-7.

Nebraska also has a second-year quarterback in Dylan Raiola, who is completing 76.6 percent of his passes, is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (829, 276 per game), and has eight touchdowns compared to zero interceptions.

The national media can ignore him all they want. But they won’t be able to if Raiola leads Nebraska to a season-defining win on Saturday, a win nine years in the making. The Huskers haven’t beaten a ranked team since 2016. They have lost 25 in a row.

It’s time for that streak to end, and with that in mind, here are three bold predictions, plus our prediction against the spread for Michigan vs. Nebraska (Saturday, 2:30 CST on CBS).

Dylan Raiola throws for 300 yards

It’s time for the five-star quarterback to play like a five-star quarterback when it really matters. He had moments as a freshman, such as the Wisconsin game.

But now with Dana Holgorsen as the full-time OC, Raiola is on another level this season. It’s not just about the play-caller, though. It’s about the quarterback. Raiola is in better shape. He’s making quicker decisions, and he’s throwing the ball better than he did last season.

There was one pass in the first three games that should have been intercepted. That’s it. At least according to my memory. Raiola needs to play that way against a team like Michigan before anyone will count him among college football’s best players.

The same can be said about Nebraska being one of college football’s best teams. Are they? We don’t know, but I do know Raiola is a great player and he will have a great game (300 yards or close on Saturday).

(He will run for a first down, too).

Emmett Johnson will have more yards as a receiver than as a runner

Michigan’s defensive line is legit. The pass rush has been lacking (7 sacks in 3 games). Jaishawn Barham playing more at EDGE is something to watch. That would take away one of the Wolverines’ better linebackers, though.

There is good depth at that position for Michigan, so either way, there will be tough sledding for Johnson, who is among the top five rushers in the Big Ten.

Yet, he’s a dynamic receiver, too. Johnson has 11 receptions this season for 41 yards. Thinking back to the USC game last season, that’s the kind of impact Johnson will have in this game.

I’m predicting 50-60 receiving yards for Johnson. He’ll have 40-50 rushing yards for around 100 total yards, and a touchdown or two.

Special teams will make the difference

This game is a toss-up. If Michigan were playing at home, the Wolverines would probably win. Just like Nebraska will probably win on Saturday at Lincoln Memorial Stadium.

The fact that Vegas has Michigan at -2.5 points means they think the Wolverines are nearly a touchdown (5.5 points) better than Nebraska on a neutral field.

That could be true at some point this season, based on the development of Bryce Underwood, but it’s not right now, regardless of what Joel Klatt says.

Both quarterbacks will be dynamic. The defenses will have their moments. Michigan will be stout against the run, and Nebraska will force more turnovers, as John Butler will trick Bryce Underwood into at least one interception.

One thing that’s been forgotten about this week, though, is how terrible Michigan has been in the kicking game. Their preseason All-American kicker has missed twice this season, after only one miss in all of 2024, including a 30-yarder at Oklahoma.

Michigan’s punter, Hudson Hollenbeck, has been a weakness. He’s inconsistent (41.9 average on 10 punts, two inside the 20) and has struggled to flip the field, which is in addition to U-M turnovers on kickoff and punt return this season, with multiple muffed punts.

Special teams have cost Nebraska in this spot for years, whether it was through missed kicks, punt returns allowed (Michigan State in 2021), or blocked punts. We have seen it all, and it has made a difference in a negative sense for the Huskers.

On Saturday, Nebraska will be superior on special teams. Archie Wilson will play and make a big impact. He’ll help the Huskers win the field position battle. Nebraska will get at least one explosive (20 yards or more) punt return from Jacory Barney, and Kyle Cunanan will hit the game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Nebraska 27, Michgan 24.