Colorado’s dominant win over Nebraska in 2023 helped elevate the Buffaloes into one of the nation’s most prominent programs, even if not much winning followed. Can the Cornhuskers turn the tables in Lincoln on Saturday?
The most surprising takeaway from last season’s Buffaloes win over Nebraska was that Deion Sanders’ defense appeared to be playing far above expectations. As it turned out, that was more the result of the Cornhuskers’ lack of a functioning passing game than anything else. Matt Rhule believes that problem is solved after five-star freshman Dylan Raiola’s impressive Week 1 debut.
With Raiola under center for this year’s showdown in Lincoln, Nebraska enters as a decisive favorite looking to start 2-0 for the first time since 2016.
Colorado, meanwhile, is looking to build momentum after a narrow victory over FCS North Dakota State that echoed the same problems as 2023. Shedeur Sanders looked terrific and Travis Hunter was a two-way sensation, but a leaky defense still nearly cost the Buffaloes.
As talented as North Dakota State may be, “Coach Prime” likely knows his defense has to take a significant step forward if Colorado wants to compete in the Big 12. Saturday’s matchup against a rising Big Ten squad will be a key test before that gauntlet begins.
The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Saturday’s Week 2 game between Colorado and Nebraska.
MORE: Watch Colorado vs. Nebraska live with Fubo (free trial)
Colorado vs. Nebraska final score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Colorado | 0 | ||||
| Nebraska | 14 |
Colorado vs. Nebraska results, highlights from Week 2 game
(All times Eastern)
Nebraska 14, Colorado 0
8:02 p.m. PICK-SIX — Tommi Hill intercepts Shedeur Sanders and only needs to walk five yards to the end zone! That was a throw Sanders would like to have back. The Cornhuskers lead 14-0.
Tommi Hill with a pick-6 on Shedeur Sanders!#GBR | #RatedProspect
pic.twitter.com/uyYj0wSHZG
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) September 8, 2024
7:58 p.m. — Nebraska only makes up nine yards on 3rd & 11 and is forced to punt for the first time.
7:57 p.m. — The Cornhuskers aren’t putting too much pressure on Raiola so far, putting a major emphasis on their running game, but Raiola is 5-for-5 passing.
7:53 p.m. — Nebraska comes up with a big stop on fourth down and will be getting the ball back at their own 30-yard line. Here’s a chance for the Cornhuskers to really take control if they can put together a scoring drive.
7:50 p.m. — Sanders is sacked again! The offensive line woes from 2023 are starting to surface again.
Nebraska 7, Colorado 0
7:45 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — And now Dowdell scores! Nebraska is on the board early, already halfway to its point total from last year’s loss to Colorado.
NEBRASKA STRIKES FIRST IN LINCOLN AND THE BALLOONS ARE UP 🎈🌽 pic.twitter.com/037VYZPA7y
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
7:43 p.m. — Nebraska picks up back-to-back first downs and is into the red zone. Only Shilo Sanders stood between Donte Dowdell and a touchdown there.
7:42 p.m. — No targeting is called on Bentley, who will stay in the game. Nebraska has a 2nd & 2 coming up here.
7:41 p.m. — LaVonta Bentley is under review for targeting after a hard hit. He would be ejected if the penalty is confirmed.
7:38 p.m. — Sanders is sacked on third down! A monstrous start for Nebraska’s defense, which could give the offense some strong field position here.
7:37 p.m. — Two plays, two incompletions for Shedeur Sanders including a drop by LaJohntay Wester.
7:35 p.m. — We are underway, with Colorado starting out on offense.
7:30 p.m. — Heavy boos for Colorado as Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes come out of the tunnel. These are two programs with a long, long history even if plenty has changed over the decades.
7:20 p.m. — Nebraska has one major advantage it didn’t against Colorado last year. Okay, two: home field and QB Dylan Raiola. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter might be the biggest names on the field tonight, but Raiola could thrust himself into the national spotlight even more with a big performance.
How to watch Colorado vs. Nebraska
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 7
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Neb.
- Live stream: Peacock, Fubo
Colorado vs. Nebraska will air on NBC on Thursday. The network will broadcast the game from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time).
Viewers seeking a streaming option can turn to the ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.
