All of Husker Nation is anxiously awaiting Saturday’s rivalry matchup with our old friends, the Colorado Buffaloes. On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are four keys to victory for the Huskers, and three keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.
Nebraska’s Keys to Victory
RUN. THE. BALL. Everyone is excited about Dylan Raiola, and even more so after the UTEP game. His talent and potential appear to be limitless. And hopefully, he’s on point on Saturday. We’ll need him to manage the offense well, and that will include hitting some timely throws (and hopefully some big throws). Having said that, I hope Nebraska tries to turn this into an old fashioned Big Ten game. I’d love to see them pound the ball right at Colorado for four quarters. As much as the Buffs get the Big Red blood boiling, and we don’t want to give them any credit, we have to acknowledge they have some playmakers on offense. Coach Rhule said this week that quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter could be two of the top five players in the NFL draft. One way to limit their effectiveness on offense is to play keep away.
Get to the Quarterback. Another way to limit their effectiveness is to prevent them from finding a rhythm on offense. I expect Nebraska’s defensive line to have the advantage over Colorado’s offensive line. They need to get in the backfield and wreak as much havoc as humanly possible. Sanders is a gifted athlete; he is adept at avoiding sacks and throwing on the run. Hopefully we can get him on the ground early and often, but at the very least, we need to see the Huskers causing as much disruption as possible. Don’t let that offense get comfortable.
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Limit Big Plays. Don’t lose your mind if the Buffaloes hit a few big plays on offense (although, as has been discussed regularly on the Common Fan Podcast, the occasional hat throw or couch punch is certainly acceptable). In addition to Sanders and Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr. had almost 200 receiving yards and a touchdown, and LaJohntay Wester caught five balls for 58 yards. I’d love nothing more than to see the Blackshirts dominate the game from start to finish, but CU will likely hit some big plays. The key will be limiting those plays; keep everything in front of you, don’t let a 15 yard catch turn into a 50 yard catch, and don’t let first downs turn into touchdowns. I have full faith in Tony White and his crew will be up for the challenge.
Avoid Turnovers. People forget that, during the ugly 36-14 loss to Colorado last season, the Buffs only led 13-7 in the 3rd quarter. Ultimately though, Nebraska could not get out of its own way. It felt like we were turning the ball over on every possession, and we did it way too many times on our own side of the field. The defense wore down, and it was only a matter of time before the bottom fell out during a forgettable, mistake-riddled game. We absolutely CANNOT give the ball away this game. The Huskers have to hold onto the ball at all costs. If we have to punt, at least we can play the field position game. Fixing the turnover problem has been a major focus for the Rhule staff in the offseason, and the Huskers are +1 in turnover margin after one game. That’s a good start, but Nebraska will need to keep it going on Saturday.
Common Fan Keys to Victory
Hydrate. Listen up, Common Fan. You’re no good out there if you lose your voice before the 4th quarter. Or, if you have a few pops and a couple of Runzas, you need to keep your strength until the clock shows zeroes. Staying hydrated can help with all of the above. Sure, it’s a night game, and no one’s going to blame you for having some big boy sodas as you prepare for kickoff. But let’s be smart, mix in some waters, and make sure you’re ready to roll when kickoff comes around. This includes everyone watching at home too, not just those who are going to the game. We need everybody screaming at their TVs, sending the positive vibes, and doing everything possible to get the Huskers to 2-0.
Bring Your “A” Snack Game. This isn’t the time to mess around with some half price, store bought trail mix with unidentifiable ingredients. This is our biggest non-conference game of the year against an old school rival. Didn’t have a chance to make your wings with the special marinade last weekend? Now’s the time. Been thinking about how much everyone would like that homemade cookie recipe you used to make? Bring it back. Wondering whether you got too much ground beef, and maybe you shouldn’t make all the sliders? Don’t think twice; make them all. We need to pull out all the stops. It doesn’t matter if you’re tailgating at Memorial Stadium, enjoying a potluck with friends, or watching at home 1,000 miles away. Don’t go halfway with your snacks this weekend.
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Don’t Hesitate When it Comes to Your Gear. I’ve got some shirts from recent years that I used to love, but after wearing them for a few losses, I’ve hesitated to continue wearing them. 2024 is the time to forget about all that. Bring out your best Husker gear, whether it’s a Jamal Lord jersey, red and white leopard print pants, or just a solid t-shirt you got from Scheels. We’re wiping the slate clean and turning a corner this year. Wear your favorite Husker gear and wear it proudly, even if there are sweat stains in the pits or ketchup stains on the shoulder. It’s time to turn karma on its head and laugh in superstition’s face. It’s time to stop apologizing and start winning. It’s time to believe in Nebraska football again.
MORE: Ty Robinson Leads Nebraska Football’s Deep Defensive Line in Key Battle Against Colorado
MORE: No. 2 Nebraska Swept by SMU, Loses First Match to Unranked Opponent Since 2017
MORE: Nebraska-Colorado: It’s Big Game Week
MORE: Carriker Chronicles: Should ‘Nebraska Nice’ Be Suspended for the Colorado Game?
MORE: Nebraska Must Get Creative and ‘Find Ways’ to Limit Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders
Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, following HuskerMax on X, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
MINDEN, Neb. (KSNB) – The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney County Attorney’s Office, is investigating an attempted murder/suicide in rural Kearney County.
The Kearney County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene Saturday afternoon.
According to NSP, three children and a woman had gunshot wounds, with the woman found dead.
The three children were transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and treated for their injuries. Two of the children have since been transported to Children’s Hospital in Omaha.
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NSP said all three children are expected to survive. The children are all under the age of 12.
This investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
According to NSP, names are not being released at this time to protect the identities of the victims.
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Ten UNK students will perform with other outstanding instrumentalists from across the state as part of the 2026 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band. Front row, from left: Olivia Kohmetscher, Kaia Johnson, Douglas Davidchik, Micah Feddersen and Avery Reitz. Back row, from left: Evan Porter, Ike Smith, Kaitlyn Obrecht, Cameron Grafel and Chloe Harms. (Courtesy UNK, Click to enlarge)
KEARNEY, Neb – Ten students will represent the University of Nebraska at Kearney as members of the 2026 Nebraska Intercollegiate Band.
They’ll perform 11:30 a.m. March 7 in Kimball Recital Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus as part of the 65th annual Nebraska State Bandmasters Association convention. The concert is free and open to the public.
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The Nebraska Intercollegiate Band includes outstanding instrumentalists from colleges and universities across the state. Students selected for the honor spend time rehearsing together in Lincoln before performing for the public. This year’s ensemble is led by guest conductor Donald McKinney, director of bands at Indiana University.
“Rehearsing and performing in the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band will be an excellent opportunity for experiential learning,” said professor Duane Bierman, director of bands at UNK. “Not only will these students get a great musical experience but they will also get a chance to expand their network and grow their interpersonal skills.”
Students representing UNK include: Broken Bow – Cameron Grafel, horn Columbus – Douglas Davidchik, clarinet Elm Creek – Chloe Harms, euphonium Grand Island – Olivia Kohmetscher, tenor saxophone Kearney – Ike Smith, trumpet Kearney – Micah Feddersen, trumpet Kearney – Avery Reitz, string bass and tuba La Vista – Kaitlyn Obrecht, piano Minden – Evan Porter, percussion Ravenna – Kaia Johnson, flute
Not even more sickness could stop the No. 12 Nebraska men’s basketball team.
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With a nasty flu strain ripping through the Huskers and the UNL campus as a whole, Nebraska needed a little more time to take care of Maryland, but freshman star Braden Frager and his team-high 21 points and eight rebounds led a late NU surge for a 74-61 victory over the Terrapins. Forward Pryce Sandfort added to the effort with 16 points and eight rebounds while both Rienk Mast (13) and Sam Hoiberg (12) also reached double figures.
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Now with just three games remaining in the regular season, the Huskers venture west for a two-game road trip to L.A., where they start off against a USC team in the middle of a long losing skid. Here’s all you need to know for Saturday’s mid-afternoon showdown between the Huskers and Trojans.
How to Follow Along
Matchup: Nebraska (24-4, 13-4 B1G) at USC (18-10, 7-10 B1G)
When: Saturday, February 28
Where: Galen Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Time: 3 p.m. CST
Watch: Big Ten Network
Listen: Huskers Radio Network and Affiliates
USC head coach Eric Musselman has already surpassed the wins total from his first season in charge of the Trojans. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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USC Scout
Head Coach
Eric Musselman | 2nd season at USC; 11th as HC
35-28 (.556) at USC; 256-121 (.679) College Career Record
Previous head coach at Arkansas, Nevada, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors
Previous assistant at LSU, Arizona State, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-2025 Record & Awards
Record: 17-18 (7-13 B1G, T-12th)
Finish: L, 60-59 to Villanova in CBC Quarterfinals
All-B1G: 1x Honorable Mention
All-Time Series
USC leads 6-5
Jan. 22, 2025, last matchup, 78-73 USC
Washington guard Desmond Claude (1) was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick last year at USC before transferring. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Key Returners
Terrance Williams II | F | Gr. | Was off to a great start with 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year before getting knocked out for the season just seven games in; has not been the same with just 2.5 PPG in 27 contests this season.
Key Departures
Desmond Claude | G | Transfer | Named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season for the Trojans after leading the team with 15.8 points per game, but transferred to Washington over the offseason.
Wesley Yates III | G | Transfer | Another player that transferred to Washington, the Texas native was second on the team last season in scoring (14.1) and steals (40) as a redshirt freshman.
Chibuzo Agbo | G | Graduated | Veteran guard that scored 11.8 points per contest while leading the team with 76 made three-pointers as part of his final college season.
Saint Thomas | F | Graduated | The Omaha native and Millard North graduate scored 9.5 points and grabbed 5.9 rebounds per game in his final college season.
Rashaun Agee | F | Graduated | A 6-foot-8 veteran forward who proved to be USC’s most dangerous threat off the bench by scoring over nine points per game.
Josh Cohen | F | Graduated | A 6-foot-10 post that started in 25 of his 33 appearances while adding 5.9 points per game for the Trojans.
Clark Slajchert | G | Graduated | Another key reserve for the Trojans who put up four points per game in 11 minutes across 27 games.
Kevin Patton Jr. | F | Transfer | After scoring 9.8 PPG at San Diego, the California native saw limited action for USC off the bench to prompt his transfer to New Mexico over the offseason.
Matt Knowling | F | Graduated | Played in 27 contests with an average of over 18 minutes, but added little production with three points and 2.6 rebounds.
Another standout guard for USC last season, Wesley Yates III (9) transferred to Washington ahead of his redshirt sophomore year. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Impact Transfers/Newcomers
Rodney Rice | G | Jr. | The third leading scorer from a Sweet 16 Maryland squad last season, the transfer scored over 20 points per game for the Trojans before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December.
Chad Baker-Mazara | G/F | Gr. | A veteran transfer that aided Auburn’s run to the Final Four last season, the Dominican Republic native leads all active Trojans with 18.6 points per game and 71 total assists.
Ezra Ausar | F | Sr. | The 6-foot-9 forward transfer from Utah scores over 15 points per game and grabs over six rebounds per contest in an elevated role after the injury to Rice.
Alijah Arenas | G | Fr. | The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, the true freshman missed the first 18 games of the season, but he’s been highly productive with a 13.9 points per game average in his first 10 college games.
Jacob Cofie | F | Soph. | A massive 6-foot-10 forward from Seattle, the Virginia transfer gives USC a weapon inside with 9.8 points and seven rebounds per game as a full-time starter.
Kam Woods | G | Gr. | A mid-season transfer from Robert Morris, where he led the program to its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance, the Alabama native has added over eight points and four rebounds in 16 contests this year.
Jordan Marsh | G | Jr. | The 2025 Big South Conference Newcomer of the Year last season at UNC-Ashville, Marsh acts as the sixth man for the Trojans with 6.7 PPG to lead all reserves.
Jaden Brownell | F | Gr. | A 6-foot-10 bench forward, the USC big man was a 14-point scorer at Samford last season before making his way to L.A.
Jerry Easter II | G | Fr. | An Ohio native who went to the heralded Link Academy in Missouri, Easter II has earned six starts in his 26 appearances by scoring 4.4 points per game.
Gabe Dynes | C | Jr. | The 7-foot-5 center led the country in blocks (104) last season at Youngstown State before transferring to USC, where he’s putting up three points per game, but has collected 30 blocks while only averaging 12 minutes per appearance.
Outlook
A veteran head coach at both the college and NBA levels, Eric Musselman was at the center of one of college basketball’s wildest coaching carousel moves following the 2023–24 season, leaving Arkansas for USC and paving the way for the legendary John Calipari to take over the Razorbacks program.
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While Calipari marched his team to a Sweet 16 appearance in his first season, Musselman’s debut season in L.A. ended with a quarterfinal loss in the CBC for an underwhelming year. What followed was an exodus from the program, with top-two scorers Desmond Claude (15.8) and Wesley Yates III (14.1) both transferring to Washington despite standout seasons. Six others graduated, including Omaha native Saint Thomas (9.5) as well as Chibuzo Agbo, a veteran guard who scored 11.8 points per game in his final college season.
That resulted in a whole new crop of transfers to join the team, including the crown jewel of the haul in Rodney Rice, who played a big part in helping Maryland reach the Sweet 16 last season. The junior started out hot for the Trojans, logging over 20 points per game, but a devastating shoulder injury ended his season just seven games in, which immediately lowered the ceiling for a USC team with decent talent. Chad Baker-Mazara has stepped up in the place of Rice with 18.6 points per game and a team-high 71 assists after transferring from Auburn, where he helped the Tigers reach the Final Four.
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Rodney Rice (1) was scoring over 20 points per game for USC before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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Utah transfer Ezra Ausar has produced at a high level with over 15 points and six rebounds per contest. Despite missing the first 18 games of the season, true freshman Alijah Arenas has averaged 13.9 points per game as a starter. Sophomore and Virginia transfer Jacob Cofie is the muscle in the post, scoring 9.8 points per game and grabbing a team-high seven rebounds per contest. Similar to Arenas, Robert Morris transfer Kam Woods has been a big mid-season addition with over eight points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Plus, Jordan Marsh (6.7), Jaden Brownell (5.3), and 7-foot-5 center Gabe Dynes give Musselman the opportunity to mix-and-match his lineup off the bench depending on the matchup.
The Rice injury is massive, and could end up being one of the primary reasons for the Trojans missing the NCAA Tournament, for which they are a bubble team in the latest projections. It’s crunch time for USC, which is in the midst of a four-game losing streak after dropping contests to Ohio State, No. 10 Illinois, Oregon, and UCLA. Three of those four were winnable for the Trojans and games that could really haunt them as they search for key wins down the stretch to lock up a spot in March Madness.
Against a Trojan team that doesn’t defend well, but ranks as one of the top rebounding teams in the conference, USC is an interesting matchup for Nebraska. Being on the road and dealing with more sickness isn’t helpful, but I’m riding the Huskers for this one to reach 25 wins on the year.
