The Michigan Wolverines face a crucial test against the 3-0 Nebraska Cornhuskers, a team boasting a revitalized fanbase and high expectations. This matchup will be a significant indicator of Nebraska's true potential in the 2025 season. Let's delve into a closer look at the Cornhuskers' strengths and weaknesses.
Coach Matt Rhule's career trajectory has been a mixed bag. While he's amassed a slightly above .500 winning percentage across his college coaching stints at Temple, Baylor, and now Nebraska (currently 15-13), his NFL experience with the Carolina Panthers proved less successful (11-27). However, his Nebraska team is off to a strong 3-0 start in the current season, building momentum after a 5-7 debut season, followed by a 7-5 campaign in the previous year.
The Cornhuskers' offense is led by quarterback Dylan Raiola, who has impressed with an efficient start to the season. He's amassed 829 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions, boasting a remarkable 76.6 completion percentage. This represents a significant improvement on his performance from the previous season.
Dane Key, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Kentucky, is a key target in the Nebraska receiving corps. He leads the team with 13 receptions, 190 receiving yards, and three touchdowns, having found the endzone in each of the team's three games.
Defensively, Nebraska showcases a formidable passing defense, currently ranked among the best in the nation. Although they've faced relatively weaker opponents thus far, holding Cincinnati to 69 yards, Akron to 54, and Houston Christian to 67, their performance has been undeniably impressive. However, their run defense lags considerably, ranking 75th nationally, allowing 202 rushing yards to Cincinnati, 113 to Akron, and 93 to Houston Christian. This weakness represents a clear vulnerability that Michigan's rushing attack can potentially exploit.
Kicker Kyle Cunanan has been perfect this season, converting all four field goal attempts and all 19 extra point attempts, with a long of 52 yards. Nebraska's historical struggles against ranked opponents, with a 27-game losing streak, and their four-game losing streak against Michigan (with only one close encounter), cannot be ignored. This game presents a significant opportunity for the Cornhuskers to overcome their recent history and prove their mettle against a top-tier opponent.
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Originally published at: https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/92751/michigan-wolverines-football-nebraska-cornhuskers-preview-dylan-raiola-bryce-underwood-matt-rhule-predictions-big-ten
