The Huskers enter their home opener 1-0 and welcome in Akron for the second time ever, third if you count the cancelled 2018 opener. Much like Nebraska’s first matchup with the Zips, this game will, without a doubt, be a blowout.
For starters, this game needs to be a statement for the Huskers, following their 20-17 nail-biter to Cincinnati. Though the secondary shut down Brendan Sorsby in the air, it still got sliced up on the ground, leading to multiple scores.
Nebraska also underperformed offensively, although its control over the clock did show that it can be efficient. However, a few drives stalled on them, resulting in a tighter game and nearly another one-score loss.
Dylan Raiola also finished 33-of-42 for 243 yards and two touchdowns, while Emmett Johnson led the ground game with 108 yards off 25 carries. Both teams delivered solid performances, reflecting the sturdy offenses, but Nebraska needs to be able to finish long drives and not allow its opponents to take advantage of them.
The Zips, meanwhile, fell to Wyoming 10-0 in their home opener, showing a strong defense but a struggling offense, with the Cowboys not scoring their touchdown until the fourth quarter.
Akron held Wyoming to 166 rushing yards off 39 carries and 19-of-36 passing for 260 yards and one touchdown. With that performance being against a Mountain West team at home, Nebraska certainly holds a strong advantage offensively, which should lead to a blowout win.
The Huskers’ defense should also be good to go, with the Zips totaling just 231 yards from scrimmage against Wyoming, including less than 100 rushing yards. Ben Finley tossed just 16-of-38 for 139 yards and threw one interception, something Nebraska’s secondary may look to exploit.
However, Nebraska needs to be cautious about Akron’s run game following its week one win. Cincinnati rushed for 202 yards on 30 carries, finding holes in the line and on the second level. The Zips’ top two running backs, meanwhile, combined for 56 yards off 11 carries.
Marques Williams led Akron in rushing with six carries for 30 yards, while Sean Patrick produced 26 yards off five carries.
If Nebraska shuts down the aerial attack once again, then the Zips will more than likely lean on the run, which could result in a score or two, depending on how much the Huskers cleaned up in their rushing defense.
But outside of that, Nebraska’s offense, whether it aims to win time of possession or not, shouldn’t make this game close. Additionally, if the Blackshirts shut down the pass like they did last week, Akron will not have much room to breathe.
Score Prediction: Nebraska 44, Akron 10
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