This one worries me for a few reasons.
Minnesota is great at controlling the clock. I think they will own us in time of possession and total plays. Our defense will play well and they’ll struggle to score on us, but after so many plays on the field I hope our defense can hold up.
Nebraska’s offense will be feast or famine. Minnesota gives up more than the average BIG play, but otherwise plays pretty well and it can be tough to sustain drives on them. Nebraska is reliant on the big play so I have a feeling that Nebraskas offense in every possession will either
A) score in a hurry
B) 3 and out or 1 first down and punt
C) Turnover
If we can’t sustain drives we will turn this into a game minny wants: ball control, time of possession, field position. Michigan did this to us to a degree and our defense just couldn't hold on.
Whether we win the game depends on if we get more of A or more of C. If Nebraska can consistently sustain drives I’ll be pleasantly surprised, even if they don’t all end in touchdowns. Avoid 3 and outs and turnovers and play sound special teams. The big plays will come.
But I dont think we can avoid turnovers or play good special teams. If Minnesota keeps the ball for 35 minutes we lose.
I’ll force myself to pick Nebraska 21-17. But I dont love it. I felt better about Michigan at home.
Winning by 3 touchdowns would be absolutely huge. This is the type of game Scott Frost finds a way to lose or keep unnecessarily close.
