Michigan Football: 5 Predictions for Wolverines against Nebraska

Michigan football aims for a 6-0 start Saturday night against Nebraska and here are five predictions for the Wolverines. 

When it came to the current two-game road trip for Michigan football, most fans were probably more worried about playing at Wisconsin, than at Nebraska.

But now that the game has nearly arrived and Nebraska is fresh off a 56-7 beatdown of Northwestern last week, this game looks awfully dangerous for the Wolverines.

Nebraska’s record isn’t impressive. The Huskers are 3-3 but each loss was marred with mistakes and if the Huskers punter hadn’t punted in the wrong direction with two minutes to go and a seven-point lead against Michigan State, Nebraska might be 4-2.

The Huskers could even be 5-1 if their field goal kicker didn’t miss two field goals and an extra point against Oklahoma.

At the same time, Michigan football has been dominant this season. You can talk about the quality of opponents all you want — the Wolverines haven’t trailed yet this season. Not for a second. That includes Washington and two Big Ten games.

Michigan doesn’t make mistakes and has a nasty defense. Nebraska has a good defense too (both rank in the top 20 scoring defense), but it has struggled to protect the football and avoid penalties, as well as other errors.

The Wolverines are a slight favorite but in a must-win game for the Huskers, who desperately need to get to a bowl game, it’s going to take all hands on deck to leave Lincoln with a win.

Here are five predictions for the Wolverines and the Huskers.

Cade stays steady

Cade McNamara proved a lot of people wrong last weekend when he threw for two touchdowns and led Michigan to a win over Wisconsin with his arm.

He did miss some throws — some that could have been touchdowns — but he just doesn’t make mistakes. He’s intentionally conservative at times when he throws the ball short and that’s allowed him to avoid interceptions.

McNamara still hasn’t turned the football over this season and also hasn’t taken a sack. It’s not always flashy but it’s effective and I don’t see him getting rattled Saturday night.

Nebraska might get a sack on him with their pass rush, but he’ll have his turnover streak (lack of one) intact.