5 predictions for Michigan football vs. Nebraska

Michigan football will take on Nebraska Saturday in its first road game of the season and here are five predictions for the Wolverines. 

For the first time this season, Michigan football won’t be playing at the Big House and the Wolverines’ first road trip will be to Nebraska.

Two years ago, Nebraska played Michigan football tough. The game was tied and Nebraska had the ball before an Adrian Martinez fumble led to a Wolverines field goal with just a couple of minutes left.

That was another fun win to think back on in 2021, as we were still finding out just how good that Michigan football team was.

You could say the same about the Wolverines in 2023. We are still finding out about this team and it has just started to scratch the surface.

Michigan football is a 17.5-point favorite for a reason. There aren’t many positions — if any –where Nebraska has a clear advantage, outside of maybe punter.

The Wolverines are rounding into form after outscoring Rutgers 31-0 to close out the game last week and here are five predictions for Michigan football vs. Nebraska.

A fast start

Michigan played at Iowa for its first road game of the 2022 season and this matchup gives me similar vibes. Nebraska has a good defense. The Huskers actually have the top run defense in terms of yards allowed per game in the Big Ten.

Nebraska is also tied for 11th in sacks and is 36th in scoring defense (18.3 allowed). Nebraska hasn’t been great at taking the ball away. They also gave up 36 points and nearly 400 yards passing to Shedeur Sanders.

Michigan probably won’t pass the ball that much. The Wolverines are content to play power football, win by a few touchdowns, and have 7-8 possessions.

However, unlike last week, J.J. McCarthy and Michigan will open the game by seizing momentum with a touchdown on the road. At some point in the first quarter, I see the Wolverines grabbing a 10-0 lead.