Oklahoma vs. Nebraska: Keys to victory, HuskerOnline score predictions for Saturday

On3 imageby:Sean Callahan09/17/22

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Oklahoma (2-0) will play at Nebraska (1-2) for the first time since 2009. The Sooners will be led by first-year head coach Brent Venables, who was at OU from 1999 to 2011 as Bob Stoops’ defensive coordinator.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are today’s HuskerOnline keys to victory for Nebraska vs. Oklahoma. The Sooners are currently listed as a 10.5-point favorite over the Huskers.

Today’s game is set for an 11 a.m. CST kickoff on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.

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KEYS TO VICTORY: Oklahoma at Nebraska

KEY 1: A hot start from Casey Thompson

Last year vs. Oklahoma Casey Thompson threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns. Texas raced out to a 28-7 lead in that game fueled by Thompson’s hot start. The Huskers will need a performance like that on Saturday from Thompson.

KEY 2: Early third down wins on defense

After last Saturday’s 642-yard defensive meltdown vs. Georgia Southern, just getting off the field on third down will be a victory for the Blackshirts. NU must stack a few third-down wins early in this game to regain confidence.

KEY 3: Offensive line communication

The stat that jumps out to me in this game is Oklahoma leads the nation in tackles for loss and ranks third in sacks. With potentially no Teddy Prochazka at left tackle, the offensive line has a ton of pressure on them today. Communication is a must. Brent Venables is the best in the business at disguising blitzes and defensive fronts.

KEY 4: Tackling in space

Last year at OU the Huskers struggled to tackle in space. This is a new offense but still loaded with athletes. Tackling in space will be a big key today.

KEY 5: Play loose

Nobody is expecting much from Nebraska today. It’s been a long week of emotions with the firing of Scott Frost. Mickey Joseph’s main job today will be to get this team loose and ready to play.


EXPERT TAKE: Oklahoma at Nebraska

Sean Callahan – HuskerOnline Pubisher

What a week it’s been in Lincoln. Sunday feels like months ago when Trev Alberts announced the firing of Scott Frost. I expect the Huskers to come out strong and put up some early points. However, Oklahoma’s offense will be too much in the second half and the Sooners will pull away with a late touchdown.

Oklahoma 41, Nebraska 31


Steven Sipple – HuskerOnline columnist

Casey Thompson has Nebraska’s offense averaging 492.3 yards and 36.0 points per game. The Huskers’ special teams are on the uptick. But it’s hard to trust a defense that ranks 125th nationally (492.0) and allows 31 points per game. This won’t be a blowout, but Dillon Gabriel will have his biggest day as a Sooner to date.

Oklahoma 38, Nebraska 31


Robin Washut – HuskerOnline senior writer

I see Nebraska coming out and playing inspired football with new leadership at the helm. And the Huskers will be able to put up some points against a shaky Oklahoma defense. The problem is how NU is going to stop the Sooners, who have struggled some offensively but are still loaded with skill star power. I think Nebraska fights until the end but can’t come up with the winning stop when it matters the most.

Oklahoma 31, Nebraska 27


Andy Kendeigh – KETV ABC-Omaha

Nebraska’s season gets new life and a new head coach.   However, there are still issues on defense and even though Mickey Joseph says he took away the blackshirts to give everyone a clean slate, there’s a message there as well.  The Huskers play inspired football however will fall short against a very talented Oklahoma squad.

Oklahoma 31, Nebraska 24


Jim Rose – 1110 KFAB Radio-Omaha

The Coach change at Big Red will spark the Huskers for a time on Saturday.  The place will be abuzz and Nebraska’s offense will strike the Sooners for big plays. The defense may even force a 3-and-out on the first series or two.  But after OU makes some adjustments, their superior athletes and Nebraska’s problems on “D” will be too much.   To stay in this one, NU will need LOTS of big plays and turnovers.  Certainly possible but not probable. 

Oklahoma 35, Nebraska 21


Mike’l Severe – Big Red Wrap-Up

I could see this game going so many different ways. The Sooners should be able to run at will on NU but at the same time the OU offensive line has had some issues coming together. Look for the Huskers to come out fast and try to establish the run game with Grant and Allen. I think we get a classic Big Fox shootout.

Oklahoma 38, Nebraska 28


HuskerOnline Week 3 Score Predictions

Week 3Sean Callahan Steven SippleRobin WashutAndy KendeighJim RoseMike’l Severe
Oklahoma at Nebraska41-31
Oklahoma
38-31
Oklahoma
31-27
Oklahoma
31-24
Oklahoma
35-21
Oklahoma
38-28
Oklahoma
Purdue at
Syracuse
34-31
Purdue
35-31
Purdue
24-20
Purdue
27-24
Purdue
30-27
Purdue
30-27
Syracuse
Penn State at
Auburn
27-24
Auburn
28-21
Penn State
28-26
Penn State
20-17
Auburn
28-24
Auburn
24-20
Penn State
Mich. State at
Washington
30-24
Washington
27-21
Washington
21-17
Washington
24-17
Washington
24-17
Washington
28-27
Washington
BYU at
Oregon
34-27
Oregon
27-24
BYU
30-23
Oregon
31-30
BYU
35-31
BYU
20-17
BYU
Miami at
Texas A&M
38-31
Texas A&M
24-20
Texas A&M
41-34
Texas A&M
31-21
Texas A&M
31-20
Texas A&M
24-21
Texas A&M

HuskerOnline Score Prediction Standings

Expert PickerStraight Upvs. the SpreadCumulative Total
Mike’l Severe
Big Red Wrap-Up
9-48-517
Jim Rose
KFAB Radio
8-57-615
Steven Sipple
HuskerOnline
7-67-614
Robin Washut
HuskerOnline
7-67-614
Andy Kendeigh
KETV ABC-Omaha
7-66-713
Sean Callahan
HuskerOnline
7-64-911

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