The Nebraska Football Train is Heading in the Right Direction – Now Deion Sanders and Colorado Stands in the Way

Yesterday was fun right?

It was fun to watch a quarterback who is probably the most hyped recruit in a generation actually live up to the hype. For example, Dylan Raiola checked a play in and out of a run and back to a run three times as the UTEP defense made adjustments – which then resulted in a 42 yard run by Emmett Johnson.

That would be impressive for a seasoned veteran, but in this case it was the first game for a true freshman. Add the fact that Isaiah Neyor looks like a future NFL draft pick at wide receiver. You could probably say the same about Jahmal Banks as well.

The four running backs in the stable all played well as the offensive line continued to show development under Donovan Raiola’s tutelage.

I mean the Huskers scored 23 points in the second quarter which was the most points scored in a quarter by a Nebraska football team since 2018, which was against Bethune-Cookman.

On the other side of the ball the defense showed why Nebraska has a chance to make some noise this season. If you take away a beautifully thrown 38 yard touchdown pass by UTEP’s Skyler Locklear, the defense pitched a shutout and would have held UTEP to 167 yards of total offense.

Somebody on the outside would probably like to note that playing well against UTEP is not the same as playing well against — lets say — Colorado. However, most people on the inside (Nebraska football fans) would rightfully respond that Nebraska hasn’t been to a bowl game in seven years and games like these against the UTEPs of college football have been routinely competitive.

Now all of these feel good vibes are great and all but it really will not matter if Colorado shows up this Saturday night and beats Nebraska. At this juncture it appears that Nebraska is on the rise. Colorado is on the…well I’m not entirely sure.

I’m not sure they are on the rise. I’m not sure they are heading downhill either. Regardless, I know one thing about this upcoming game against Colorado on Saturday night.

They coming.

This Saturday is a gigantic opportunity for Nebraska football. While Colorado might not be a juggernaut, the country loves to watch this Deion Sanders led team. Last Thursday night in their matchup against North Dakota State the broadcast averaged 4.8 million views which was ESPN’s best Thursday night opener since 2017.

On the football field, the Colorado offense will be one of the best this Nebraska defense will see all year. They can score a ton of points and they can do it in a hurry. Shedeur Sanders is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and we should expect Travis Hunter to play almost every snap of the game. You can also add Jimmy Horn Jr. who might be one of the fastest players in the country at wide receiver.

Plus, Shedeur Sanders has his own Nike Billboard in Times Square in New York City. That has to mean something right?

It is going to be a 6:30 p.m. kick-off which should allow Husker fans to prepare to contribute to what I hope is one of the best atmospheres at Memorial Stadium in recent memory.

If Nebraska fans bring it and the football team does their part then we can keep this train rolling.

Colorado stands in the way.