Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Nebraska
Buffs At Nebraska: What You Need To Know
September 07, 2024 | Football, Neill Woelk
COLORADO BUFFALOES (1-0)
at NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS (1-0)
LINCOLN, Neb. — One more time.
When Colorado and Nebraska square off Saturday at Memorial Stadium, it will mark the 73rd time the two old rivals have played since they first met in 1898.
The next meeting?
Nobody knows. Since the two now play in separate conferences — the Buffs returned to the Big 12 this year while Nebraska is now a member of the Big Ten — they aren't scheduled to play again anytime in the near future.
Thus, Saturday's meeting, the final game in a pair of home-and-home series that started in 2018, will leave one program's fans with bragging rights for years to come.
But there's more at stake Saturday than just bragging rights. Both teams are under the direction of a coach in his second year at the school and both programs are out to prove they are ready to take the next step in their development.
The nuts and bolts for Saturday's game:
KICKOFF: 5:30 p.m. (MT), Memorial Stadium (85,458).
TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by NBC with Paul Burmeister on play-by-play, Colt McCoy as analyst and Kathryn Tappen on the sidelines. The radio broadcast will be carried by 630 KHOW with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett upstairs and Bobby Pesavento on the sidelines. Radio coverage begins at 3:30 p.m.
ON THE INTERNET: The game can be heard on the internet at CUBuffs.com. Live statistics will also be available at CUBuffs.com.
THE COACHES: College football and NFL Hall of Famer Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders is in his second year at Colorado, where he has a 5-8 record. Prior to coming to CU, he coached three seasons at Jackson State, where he compiled a 27-6 record. Matt Rhule is in his second season at Nebraska, where he has a 6-7 record. Prior to taking the reins at NU, he coached at Temple and Baylor, then with the NFL's Carolina Panthers. He has a 53-50 record as a college coach. Sanders is 1-0 against the Huskers while Rhule is 0-1 against the Buffs.
THE SERIES: This will be the 73rd meeting between the programs, with Nebraska holding a 49-21-2 edge, including a 26-9 advantage in Lincoln. But the Buffaloes have won the last three in the series, including last year's 36-14 victory in Boulder and a 33-28 win in 2018 in Lincoln.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: The winner will gain a nice boost in confidence and momentum and likely much more attention in the national polls.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado's offense is guided by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who last week threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns in CU's opening wins. He has a bevy of quality receivers, including Jimmy Horn Jr. (7 catches, 198 yards, 1 touchdown last week) and Travis Hunter (7-132, 3 scores).
Defensively, the Buffs had a big effort last week from defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo, who had a solid game last week against the run as well as a sack. Linebacker Trevor Woods led CU last week with 10 tackles and safety Shilo Sanders had nine.
Nebraska's offense is led by true freshman QB Dylan Raiola, who last week threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns in his college debut. Isaiah Neyor led receivers with six catches for 121 yards and a score. The Huskers also boast a solid run game, with three players last week rushing for at least 50 yards, led by Emmett Johnson (8 carries, 71 yards).
Defensively, safety Malcom Hartzog Jr. had five tackles and an interception last week while defensive end Ty Robinson had two tackles for loss. The Huskers finished with nine tackles for loss against UTEP.
LAST WEEK: Colorado opened with a 31-26 win over North Dakota State at home. Nebraska routed UTEP, 40-7, at home.
KEY MATCHUP: Nebraska's secondary against Colorado's wide receivers. Nebraska picked off two passes last week but they will see a much more potent group of receivers from the Buffs' lineup. If CU's offensive line can give QB Sanders some time to throw, he'll have the opportunity to pick up yards against the Huskers' defensive backs.
UP NEXT: The Buffs continue their road trip rivalry swing next Saturday when they head to Fort Collins for a 5:30 p.m. match with Colorado State at Canvas Stadium(CBS).
