It's Halloween, it's a Blackout, and Nebraska has a defense that gets off the field. My pick is right in the headline: Nebraska 31, Washington 24. I think it's Nebraska by 7.

Why this matchup is good for Nebraska

"Nebraska's defense right now is elite. The Blackshirts are elite." That's not just me talking. Per the huskers.com game preview, Nebraska leads the country in third down defense and is top 20 in both total defense and scoring defense.

Washington throws for more than 280 yards a game. That's a real offense, and it walks into a Blackout at Memorial Stadium against a defense that gets off the field.

Watch the secondary. Andrew Marshall has been targeted, and nobody's been able to get much off on him. Caleb Benning is playing at what I believe is starting to be an elite level. Washington likes to test the safeties and push guys downfield, and I think Nebraska handles that really well.

Anthony Colandrea is locked in

Let's talk about Anthony Colandrea. He's committed for 2027, even with the SEC sniffing around (On3's Pete Nakos reported it). As I said in the video, "He's like, no. I'm staying."

He's earned it. Colandrea has 14 touchdown passes and 4 rushing touchdowns through seven games. And he protects the football. Matt Rhule told Sporting News that Nebraska is No. 4 in the nation in not turning it over since the start of last season. "Being number 4 in the country at ball security is huge." It's a difference maker for this team.

The weather shouldn't be a factor. The rain is supposed to clear out by midday, and I'm not seeing any wind in the forecast, so I think Colandrea and the offense have the full playbook open tonight. The backs look ready too. Jamal Rule is expected to be out there, and the stable of backs is going to be fine.

Washington has questions. Nebraska has answers.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is banged up with a rib injury, and Jedd Fisch hasn't named a starter (per Sports Illustrated). Whoever takes the snaps, the plan is the same. Get pressure, make him uncomfortable and make him force it downfield.

We're pretty good at protecting the middle this year, definitely better than in years past. Rob Aurich's defense is firing on all cylinders. "The old Blackshirts might say defense wins championships. And I agree."

The old Blackshirts might say defense wins championships. And I agree.

Nebraska was seconds away from beating Oregon on the road two weeks ago. Win tonight and the Huskers are 6 and 2 and bowl eligible. The rest of the schedule isn't easy, but it's manageable.

Husker Nation, bring it

The Washington coach says make some plays and you can quiet that crowd. Yeah, but it's still louder than everywhere else.

"Husker Nation, you need to be loud, make some noise." This team feeds off you. The fan base and the team move together like one organ, and it's a beautiful thing. Feed this team energy tonight.

I'll be home handing out candy, so I'm watching this one on TV with you. Take the kids trick or treating, then get them home for kickoff. It is your duty to make them Husker faithful.

My pick

Nebraska 31, Washington 24. I do think Washington's going to score. I just think Nebraska is better.

Being wrong in college sports happens all the time, and it happens in every sport. I'm still taking the Huskers.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Central on BTN.

Watch the full breakdown on YouTube: https://youtu.be/adS4zQbMSlQ

It's an exciting time to be a Husker fan. We are turning a corner, and tonight is a chance to prove it. Go Big Red!