Nebraska has ‘a big problem’ to solve against Michigan

Lots of college football talking heads are picking Nebraska football to win this week. Joel Klatt isn’t among them, and his reason comes down to the run defense.

On his podcast, Klatt, the color analyst for Fox Sports College Football, offered up his predictions for this week. When it came to the Nebraska-Michigan game, he offered a surprising prediction — one that has the Wolverines winning the game by double digits.

It feels like Nebraska is due for a big win like this under third-year head coach Matt Rhule. Yet, the run defense has been an issue. Nebraska is allowing four yards per rushing attempt and 136 yards per game. The Huskers also gave up 96 rushing yards to Brendan Sorsby, the Cincinnati quarterback.

Run defense is a “big problem” for Nebraska vs. Michigan

Michigan is known for running the ball. The Wolverines’ offensive line isn’t as good as it has been. This isn’t 2022 or 2023. But Justice Haynes is leading the Big Ten in rushing yards for a reason. Michigan is an effective running team, and if Nebraska can’t stop it, Klatt could be right about the final result, even if he is a Colorado Buffalo.

“The hard part is they lost those defensive tackles and so they are not as stingy against the run this year and that is a problem when you’re welcoming in Michigan, who you know is going to try to assert themselves physically in the run game. Right now, Nebraska is 75th in the country stopping the run. That is a big problem in this game.”

“Who do I like in this game? I think Michigan covers this game. I see something along the lines of 34-21, something like that,” Klatt said.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.