Nebraska rolls into Saturday night at Memorial Stadium 2-0 and looking sharp after back-to-back blowouts. North Dakota comes in 3-0 and ranked No. 6 in the FCS, averaging more than 50 points a game with a legitimate quarterback in Jerry Kaminski.
This is the final tune-up before Big Ten play begins, and there are a few things I’ll be watching closely.
1. Don’t let it be a fist fight early
Nebraska has the talent, but this is a top-tier FCS team with an offense that can back it up. Fans have been anxious all week that this could turn into a rock fight early. Don’t let it be. The Huskers need to come out fast, physical, and decisive the way they did against Bowling Green after that opening-drive hiccup. Jump on them early, force North Dakota out of its comfort zone, and turn what some fear could be a scrap into another statement. Talent advantage only matters if you impose it from the jump.
2. Get the backups in
Can we not play with our food and get the backups in by the fourth—or earlier? This is the last game before the Big Ten slate starts. Rest is king. Getting younger talent meaningful reps is important, especially with the schedule about to get a lot tougher. Head Coach Matt Rhule has talked about wanting to play as many guys as possible. Let’s see the second- and third-stringers out there with a comfortable lead while the starters stay fresh and the depth chart gets real game experience.
3. Clean football
Penalties have been a problem the first two weeks. Keep them below five—ideally less. No turnovers. The margin for error shrinks once conference play hits, and the habits formed now will matter later. Play disciplined, protect the ball, and eliminate the self-inflicted wounds that have been the one consistent complaint so far. Clean football turns a good team into a dangerous one.
Score Prediction: Huskers 45, North Dakota 17
