Nebraska football enters the final quarter of the regular season with a major uphill battle. The Huskers are 5-4 and now potentially miss out on a bowl game. Though Rutgers is sitting at 2-7 on the season, this game is riddled with factors that could provide a win to either side.
Both teams are hurting both in record and in injuries, which only adds to the unpredictable nature of this game. The Huskers’ four-game skid puts them in a vulnerable position, especially with them being on the road for the second straight week.
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However, Nebraska is entering its first game under interim offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas following the firing of Dana Holgorsen. Thomas has been with the program since Dylan Raiola’s freshman year and has helped the quarterback position remain efficient for the past three seasons.
Now he faces the test of turning around the Huskers’ stagnant offense that’s only put up a high of 17 points in a game through the losing streak. However, the Scarlet Knights have yet to hold a Big Ten team below 28 points across six conference games, providing ample opportunity for Nebraska to snap its offensive drought. Plus, Thomas’ playcalling could allow the Huskers to not come off as too formulaic for Rutgers’ defense.
But even if Nebraska finds its rhythm on offense, there are also question marks regarding its defense. Now, the Scarlet Knights have only scored 21 points or more in three of six conference games. The Blackshirts, meanwhile, despite suffering some hits during the losing streak, have only allowed a high of 24 points in a game during the four-game stretch.
On the surface, the Huskers defensively hold the advantage. But Nebraska enters the matchup with three of their key players on defense. Andrew Marshall, Anthony Jones and Owen Chambliss are also out for the game, which could allow Rutgers to find some success. However, the Scarlet Knights may start third-string quarterback Sean Ashenfelder, depending on AJ Surace’s questionable status.
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Ashenfelder’s only seen significant action in the team’s blowout loss against Northwestern. He threw 2-of-9 for 36 yards and one interception in the loss. Ashenfelder also took a sack. Surace has had his moments on the field, despite averaing just 119 passing yards per Big Ten game. He’s averaging 7.5-of-16 in the air per conference game, finding some success with some explosive plays, which in a game like this, could be the deciding factor.
However, the Scarlet Knights are without star wide receiver KJ Duff, who’s been responsible for nearly 40 percent of the team’s receiving yards and 50 percent of the team’s receiving touchdowns. His absence could lift some of the pressure off Nebraska’s secondary. At the same time, however, the Blackshirts’ injuries could also provide Rutgers with a chance to do some serious damage.
The Scarlet Knights can lean on its run game though. Antwan Raymond and Clay Thevenin both average over five yards per carry this season and have combined for an average of over 140 rushing yards per game. Illinois delivered some blows on the ground against Nebraska, so Rutgers could very much do the same.
Holgorsen’s departure could be the spark needed for the Huskers’ offense. But the defense’s injuries provide a path for the Scarlet Knights as well. Plus, Nebraska’s penalty issues could result game-defining opportunities. However, Rutgers’ turnover and sack problems also give the Blackshirts a chance to make something happen.
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This is a must win for Nebraska. But even with that in mind, this game is likely going to come down to one or two plays. Considering how the Huskers have let games slip away from them this season because of that, and their recent slump, Rutgers could get its third win.
Score Prediction: Rutgers 24, Nebraska 20
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Rutgers
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