Colorado travels to play Nebraska in a battle between two former Big 12 programs on the rise. The Buffaloes played a close game against FCS North Dakota State in Week 1, escaping with a 31-26 victory behind three receiving touchdowns from star two-way player Travis Hunter.

Nebraska got off to a slow start against UTEP in the opener, but scored 23 unanswered points in the second quarter to zoom past the Miners with a 40-7 victory. In his debut with the ‘Huskers, freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 67% of his passes and threw for two scores. Transfer receiver Isaiah Neyor posted 121 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Colorado and Nebraska have played 72 times in history, including every year between 1948 and 2010, when Nebraska left the Big 12. The Cornhuskers have been historically dominant with a 49-21-2 record, but Colorado has won all three games since both programs won. left the Big 12. Last season, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 393 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-14 victory, the Buffaloes’ only victory of the season by more than one score.

Colorado vs. Nebraska: Need to Know

Old vs. new: This matchup pits two of the most interesting quarterbacks in college football against each other. Sanders is on the short list of the nation’s top quarterbacks and is a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. On the other hand, Nebraska recruited Raiola, the program’s top prospect since 2005. This will be Raiola’s biggest test of his young career in the national spotlight.

Heisman Candidate: Two-time star Hunter made headlines last season for his performance, but Hunter’s performance against North Dakota State was off the charts. The junior caught seven passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in the win. While he allowed two catches, Hunter allowed just 14 yards against the Bison’s potent passing attack at cornerback. Hunter was credited with a staggering 136 snaps against North Dakota State. If he can keep up this pace, he will compete for every applicable national award.

Fight in the trenches: Although Colorado’s passing game played well, the revamped lines were inconsistent in their first outing. Buffalo running backs compiled just 2.5 yards per carry and Colorado rushed for just 59 total yards. The defensive line played well at the point of attack, but NDSU quarterback Cam Miller put their problems under control with 81 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Nebraska fielded a top-10 rushing defense last season, so the Buffaloes should be able to live with a one-dimensional approach.

How to watch Colorado vs. Nebraska live

Date: Saturday September 7 | Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Memorial Stadium – Lincoln, Nebraska
TV: NBC | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)

Colorado vs. Nebraska Prediction, Picks

Last season, Nebraska turned the ball over on three of its first six possessions, giving Colorado a 13-0 lead from which it could never recover. This year the Cornhuskers are miles better in almost every aspect. If Raiola can play a clean game, Nebraska has the pieces in place to make things difficult for Colorado and ultimately escape Lincoln with a decisive win. Choice: Nebraska -7

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