The Colorado Buffaloes and Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to renew their rivalry in a Week 2 matchup on September 7, 2024, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both teams come into the game with 1-0 records and aspirations of making a statement early in the season. Colorado, under head coach Deion Sanders, opened the season with a 31-26 win over North Dakota State, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns. However, the Buffaloes’ defense showed some weaknesses, allowing over 400 yards to an FCS opponent. Colorado will need to tighten up defensively and find a way to slow down Nebraska’s balanced offensive attack.

Nebraska, guided by head coach Matt Rhule, is coming off a dominant 40-7 win against UTEP. The Cornhuskers controlled the game from start to finish, amassing 507 total yards of offense. Quarterback Dylan Raiola was effective, throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while the rushing game, led by Emmett Johnson’s 71 yards on eight carries, was equally impressive. Nebraska’s defense also put up a strong showing, limiting UTEP to just 205 total yards and forcing multiple three-and-outs. The key to this game will likely be Nebraska’s ability to control the tempo with their rushing attack and keep Colorado’s explosive passing game off the field. Colorado will need to protect the football better and find more consistency on offense to challenge Nebraska’s defense. If Colorado’s defense can step up and make key stops, the Buffaloes have a chance to cover the spread or even win outright.