Nebraska vs. Minnesota: Keys to victory, HuskerOnline score predictions for Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS – The Matt Rhule era at Nebraska is officially off and running, as we’ll get our first look at Huskers at Minnesota tonight.

The Huskers have not beaten the Gophers since 2018 and are seeking their first season-opening win since 2019.

Here are tonight’s keys to victory for NU against Minnesota. Nebraska enters tonight’s nationally televised game on FOX as a 7.5-point underdog.

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KEY TO VICTORY: Nebraska vs. Minnesota

KEY 1: Establish a push with the offensive line

One thing to watch early in this football game is what type of push Nebraska can establish with its offensive line. I think early on, we are going to know right away just how much better this line is year-over-year with the push they get, and how the offensive tackles hold up on the first few pass-blocking situations.

KEY 2: Create negative plays on early defensive downs

One thing we’ve heard about Tony White’s defense is the confusion it can cause. The Blackshirts need to create some negative plays on early downs to get Minnesota out of their comfort zone.

KEY 3: Red zone efficiency

When Nebraska’s offense gets into scoring position, can they finish off drives? Points look as if they will be at a premium tonight. The Huskers must take advantage of any red zone opportunity they get.

KEY 4: The kicking game

Freshman Tristan Alvano will get the start for Nebraska over veteran Timmy Bleekrode. Both kickers had their ups and downs in training camp. How will Alvano hold up in his first start? What type of confidence will Rhule have in Alvano beyond 40 yards out?

KEY 5: Composure

This is a Game 1 with a brand new head coach on the road in a Big Ten stadium. Things are going to go wrong at times for Nebraska. How will the Huskers handle early adversity, and how will they respond to their new head coaching in the first game of the season?

EXPERT TAKE

Sean Callahan – HuskerOnline Pubisher

Can Nebraska win this game? Absolutely. I still have questions about the offensive line, overall playmaking ability at wide receiver and the kicking game. I give the edge tonight to Minnesota to pull out a 23-17 hard-fought victory.

Minnesota 23, Nebraska 17

Steven Sipple – HuskerOnline columnist

My guess is, this will come down to whether Nebraska can find enough offense to pull off a difficult Big Ten road win. Do the Huskers have enough firepower at the receiver positions? Will the Husker offensive line generate a consistent push up front? How hard will Matt Rhule and company have to lean on Jeff Sims. Yes, a lot of questions. Nebraska is a bit of a wild-card team entering the season. Husker fans are hoping for a wild night of fun in Minneapolis.

Minnesota 24, Nebraska 17

Robin Washut – HuskerOnline senior writer

Nebraska still has a laundry list of unanswered questions going into tonight’s opener. Whether it’s good news or bad, the Huskers are going to get a whole lot of answers against Minnesota. Line play on both sides of the ball will define the game, as will ball security and sustaining drives. In a game where there likely won’t be many possessions, every snap will be critical. In that situation, I’ll take the team in Year 7 over the one entering Year 1.

Minnesota 28, Nebraska 21

Andy Kendeigh – KETV ABC-Omaha

This is a game I wish I had Biff Tannen’s stolen sports almanac.  My best guess is Nebraska will be improved in all facets, but my concerns are the offensive line and at wide receiver.  Jeff Sims is dynamic, and the Huskers will need his play-making skills to put points on the board.  The Blackshirts will be the bright spot in this one and will keep this thing close until the clock hit triple zeroes.   The rebuild will not happen overnight but we do see signs of progress against a consistent, solid Big Ten team.

Minnesota 21, Nebraska 13

Jim Rose – 1110 KFAB Radio-Omaha

Matt Rhule debuts for Big Red with a toughie.   NU probably has more football material but the Gophers under PJ Fleck have an established program, which at the start of the season is a big advantage.   If this game were in Oct or Nov, I predict the outcome would be different.    The Huskers will show flashes of what’s to come.  They will make it a four-quarter game and HuskerNation will come away encouraged.  Remember this Husker fans: It’s not how you start but how you finish.   

Minnesota 24, Nebraska 17

Mike’l Severe – Big Red Wrap-Up

This might be the perfect matchup for game one of the Matt Rhule era. Despite the new play callers for Minnesota’s offense we know what the Gophers are going to try and do. First control the clock and in doing so limit possessions. Coincidentally that is exactly what I expect from Nebraska’s offense. So what we should get is a slobber knocker type of matchup with the opportunity to take advantage of first game mistakes for both teams. Keep an eye on transfer RB Sean Tyler, he was a pretty good all purpose back and kickoff returner at Western Michigan.

Huskers stay in it but fall short late.

Minnesota 27, Nebraska 20

HuskerOnline Week 1 Score Predictions