A big-time matchup is in sight for the Michigan Wolverines as they head into their Week 4 game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
While Nebraska has yet to break into the Top 25, the Cornhuskers are 3-0 on the season and are looking increasingly impressive by the day. Getting a win over the undefeated Big Ten on the road would be a huge step in the right direction for Michigan.
Somewhat surprisingly, despite his impressive performances over the first three games of his collegiate career, the pressure this Saturday will not be on true-freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Who needs to step up big for Michigan against Nebraska?
So far this season, the Cornhuskers have ranked 126th in the nation for EPA per rush. That means that out of all 136 Division I FBS programs, Nebraska has given up one of the worst Expected Points Added per run attempt.
EPA is a measurement that calculates how much a specific play increases or decreases a team's likelihood of scoring on a drive, or its "expected points added" by the end of the drive. EPA per rush calculates those odds specifically for running plays.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Michigan's rushing game has been lights out so far this season. The Wolverines have averaged 242.67 yards per game on the ground, led by running backs Justice Haynes (388 yards) and Jordan Marshall (109 yards).
Underwood has even rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns of his own, adding onto his 628 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines' defense ranks 27th in the country in EPA/rush, even with the loss to the Oklahoma Sooners when it gave up 138 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has earned a minimal 19 rushing yards, so Underwood will be a far cry from worried about outpacing the Cornhuskers' QB1, especially on the ground.
Also read: 3 Keys to a massive road win for Michigan football over Nebraska
The No. 21 Wolverines and the unranked Cornhuskers are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 20. The game will be broadcast on CBS.