3 keys to victory for Michigan football vs. Nebraska

Michigan Wolverines receiver Semaj Morgan (82) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and running back Donovan Edwards (7) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan Wolverines receiver Semaj Morgan (82) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and running back Donovan Edwards (7) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at Michigan Stadium. /
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Michigan football will travel to Nebraska for the first goad game of the season and here are three keys to a Wolverines win. 

Last week, Michigan football won its Big Ten opener over Rutgers, despite a less-than-stellar start. But a 31-0 finish and the defense that went along with that were spectacular.

Michigan also rushed for over 200 yards for the first time in 2023 and did so against by far the best run defense the Wolverines have faced. They also kept a solid running game for Rutgers under 100 total yards, reinforcing that the first three games weren’t a fluke.

Rutgers was down just 17-7 in the third quarter and was in field goal range when Greg Schiano went for it on fourth down and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

The game was competitive and Nebraska won’t be an easy win either. Michigan football is a 17-point favorite. Nebraska is 2-2 but new head coach Matt Rhule has the Blackshirts playing good defense. The offense is also running the ball better than anyone in the Big Ten right now.

Nebraska leads the Big Ten in rushing yards and rushing yards allowed. Turnovers have been an issue in losses but not the past two weeks.

Yet, the Huskers haven’t played a team as talented as Michigan, and here are three keys to a Wolverines win.

Run the ball well

Michigan’s formula isn’t going to drastically change. The Wolverines believe in their offensive line and their running game. J.J. McCarthy has proven he’s an elite college football quarterback this season, but even a good quarterback is worse off without a run game.

Nebraska is tied for 11th in the FBS with 14 sacks total. They are also surrendering less than two years per rushing attempt.

The defensive front is huge behind Ty Robinson and Nash Hutcmacher, plus the linebackers have played really well although Luke Reimer, a starter could be out.

Running the ball will allow Michigan to utilize the play-action passing game, keep McCarthy in favorable situations, and take the crowd out of it.

It’s going to be a physical game and the team that runs the ball better just might win.