The highly anticipated matchup between the 2-1 Michigan Wolverines and the 3-0 Nebraska Cornhuskers is set to take place on Saturday afternoon. As the Cornhuskers gear up for this challenging contest, their fanbase is buzzing with excitement and high hopes for the 2025 season. Many believe that this could be the strongest Nebraska team in years. However, the game against Michigan will serve as a crucial test to determine whether Nebraska is truly a contender this season. Let’s delve into what makes the Cornhuskers a team to watch ahead of their showdown with the Wolverines.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has had a unique coaching career, boasting a winning percentage slightly above .500 in college football. His coaching record includes a tenure of 28-23 at Temple, 19-20 at Baylor, and currently 15-13 at Nebraska, giving him an overall winning percentage of 52.54%. After leading Baylor to an impressive 11-3 record in 2019, Rhule made the leap to the NFL, where he struggled with the Carolina Panthers, finishing with an 11-27 record before being let go five games into the 2022 season. In his first season with Nebraska in 2023, Rhule finished 5-7, improved to 7-5 in 2024, and has started the 2025 season strong with a perfect 3-0 record.
As Nebraska prepares to face Michigan, their offensive rankings reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. The Cornhuskers currently rank No. 5 in passing offense and No. 9 in scoring offense, showcasing their ability to put points on the board. They also rank No. 8 in team passing efficiency, with an impressive 76.6% completion rate for quarterback Dylan Raiola, who has thrown for 829 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions this season. However, their rushing offense ranks lower at No. 60, indicating that they may need to bolster their ground game as they move forward.
Defensively, Nebraska boasts the top-ranked passing defense in the nation, allowing minimal yardage against their opponents. They have permitted only 69 passing yards to Cincinnati, 54 to Akron, and 67 to Houston Christian. However, their rushing defense has proven to be a vulnerability, ranking No. 75 overall. In their three games, they have given up 202 rushing yards to Cincinnati, 113 to Akron, and 93 to Houston Christian, which could be a significant concern against a strong rushing team like Michigan.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola is a standout player for Nebraska this season. His impressive statistics, including eight touchdowns and a remarkable 76.6 completion percentage, indicate a significant improvement from last year, where he threw 13 touchdowns but also had 11 interceptions. Raiola's ability to efficiently manage the game will be crucial in the upcoming matchup against Michigan.
Another key player for Nebraska is Dane Key, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Kentucky. He has emerged as a dangerous wideout, leading the team with 13 receptions, 190 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Key has scored in all three games this season, making him a player that Michigan’s defense will need to keep a close eye on.
Nebraska's special teams have been reliable this season, particularly kicker Kyle Cunanan, who has successfully converted all four of his field goal attempts and all 19 extra points. His longest field goal this season reached 52 yards, proving that he can be a valuable asset in close games.
Despite the optimism surrounding Nebraska, they face a daunting statistic: the Cornhuskers have lost 27 consecutive games against ranked opponents and have fallen short in their last four games against Michigan. The results of these matchups have been lopsided, with only one of those losses being close (45-7, 34-3, 32-29, 56-10). This history presents an additional challenge for Nebraska as they look to turn the tide this Saturday.
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers gear up to take on the Michigan Wolverines, this game promises to be a significant indicator of their potential this season. With a reenergized fanbase, a talented quarterback in Dylan Raiola, and a top-ranked passing defense, Nebraska has the tools to make this a competitive contest. However, they must address their rushing defense and confront their historical struggles against ranked teams if they hope to achieve victory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Cornhuskers can rise to the occasion.
