So far, Nebraska has received much better 2024 off-season reviews than Colorado. But on September 7, the Cornhuskers host the Buffaloes in one of the biggest early-season college football odds matchups of the year. On that night, a national NBC audience will see the truth revealed in, dare we say, “Prime Time!”
A Historic Rivalry
Previously, Nebraska of the Big Ten and Colorado of the Big 12 used to be bitter and hated conference arch-rivals. The Huskers will seek triple sports betting revenge against the Buffs.
Late on, both programs hit hard times. But this college football lines matchup is guaranteed ratings gold. Colorado moved the TV ratings needle noticeably last year in what was the rookie season of head coach Deion Sanders.
On the other hand, Nebraska remains a national and traditional blue-blood brand. Despite a long period in the wilderness. From Bob Devaney’s arrival in 1962 to the firing of Bo Pelini in 2014, the Cornhuskers were constantly in the national conversation. Additionally, from 1970 through 1997, the Big Red won five national championships with several other near misses.
A Coaching Clash
Frank Sinatra would gladly serenade Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule with his epic rendition of “My Way.” Indeed, both coaches stand apart as unique, fearless, and defiant in addressing their program goals.
Sanders takes a radical approach never before tried in big-time college football. He steadfastly refuses to recruit in the traditional method of visiting homes and high schools for five-star prospects. Instead, he feverishly works the transfer portal, looking for experienced players who he hopes to plug in immediately.
By contrast, Matt Rhule is a demanding taskmaster who defies players NOT to come to Nebraska unless they are ready to work and earn everything they get. But offsetting that is a team culture that quickly fosters deeper, long-term relationships.
Consider that Rhule’s culture helped flip Georgia Bulldogs’ 5-star QB prospect Dylan Raiola to Lincoln last December. It is an environment that produces a crop of players who never stop working to improve themselves and their teammates. Correlate that several Nebraska players skipped the NFL Draft for one more year in red. Nebraska has a much more close-knit team than Colorado. But will it matter?
A Must-See QB Showdown
The quarterback matchup on September 7 is as enthralling and opposite as the coaches are.
Last year in the season opener, Shedeur Sanders became an instant national sensation by leading the Colorado Buffaloes to a 45-42 upset win at the TCU Horned Frogs. TCU was the 2022 runner-up for the national championship. Sanders lit up the Frogs for 510 yards and four TDs. He proved to be the best player on the Buffs but was worn down by the end of the 2023 campaign. Cause by a thin and inferior supporting cast.
Still, Sanders is considered a first-round prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is charismatic and something of a pop culture icon with numerous endorsements and numerous celebrity relationships. Including women’s basketball icon Angel Reese.
Nebraska is expected to start true freshman Dylan Raiola against Shedeur and the Buffs. To illuminate, Raiola lit up a highly productive spring for the Huskers. Now, he will be working with Kansas City Chiefs legend Patrick Mahomes in the weeks ahead.
It’s not an accident that Raiola, who wears the same #15 as Mahomes, is being compared to the three-time Super Bowl champion. In like manner, Raiola flashes a similar type of style that draws comparisons. In comparison to Shedeur, Raiola is in the Matt Rhule image of constant study, work, and self-improvement.
🚨BREAKING: #Nebraska vs. #Colorado will be a NIGHT GAME on NBC, kicking off at 6:30 PM #GBR
Per @joereedy pic.twitter.com/4un3kWAQ4H
— 247Huskers (@247Huskers) May 13, 2024