Michigan vs. Nebraska prediction: Cornhuskers to win outright, announce arrival to College Football Playoff picture

The Big Ten features two of the best games within the Week 4 slate. Plenty of eyes will be on Lincoln, NE, on Saturday, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers face off against the Michigan Wolverines. A critical game for both teams in order to start the conference schedule with a win.

Josh Pate put in a prediction for the showdown on Tuesday, going with Nebraska. The other side might walk into Memorial Stadium favored but Pate does not agree. He is buying into Matt Rhule, once again, finding success during his third year on the job. And once the Huskers win, the stock might begin to soar.

“Nebraska wins this game outright,” Pate said via Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “The Rhule rule is real and Nebraska is going to get that signature win and they’re going to announce their arrival in the Big Ten. Dare I say they’re going to announce their arrival in the College Football Playoff picture? … Give me Nebraska outright.”

Naturally, with Nebraska, the conversation begins with quarterback Dylan Raiola. Everyone wants to see how the offense performs against a bump up in competition. To this point, a couple of lesser games plus an opener vs. Cincinnati have taken place. Pate acknowledged some of the Nebraska haters might bring up that point.

“We’ve got to find out if Nebraska’s offense is real or if it’s just sort of fool’s gold,” Pate said. “Because I’m looking at this piece of paper… Dylan Railoa is No. 1 in passing efficiency. The run game looks good, veteran offensive line. They’re third in the country in third-down conversions.”

Raiola has completed 76.6% of his throws through three games, going for 829 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Pate banged the drum all offseason about Nebraska reworking the wide receiver room, believing there would be success. So far, the numbers indicate yes.

Making sure Raiola is able to take what Michigan gives him might be the most important factor. Pate pointed to Oklahoma‘s John Mateer doing so when the Wolverines were in Norman. Keep the ball safe and connect when the plays are made available to you.

Proving the offense is real likely equates to a win for Nebraska. A 4-0 record would be a first since 2016, nearly a decade ago. Rhule is well-known for being able to get a program rolling in Year 3 and Michigan might be the breakout game to prove the theory correct.