Healthier Huskers and Huskies Headline on Halloween

Nebraska is coming off two of its most disappointing losses in recent years. Both games would’ve been statement wins and would have secured bowl eligibility for the Huskers. However, the Huskers collapsed late in the fourth quarter of both games, leading to close losses Nebraska fans know all too well. But a game that looked like a real challenge at the start of the season is now a must-win for Matt Rhule’s team. Washington has been disappointing this season, and Nebraska enters this game as a heavy favorite.

While Nebraska's progress under Rhule hasn’t been as fast as many fans, including me, would have liked, winning the games you’re expected to win is still a step forward from where Nebraska has been for much of the last decade. A Husker loss adds to the criticism that Nebraska is still the same team it was under Mike Riley and Scott Frost.

Dana Holgorsen needs to get Anthony Colandrea back on track as a passer. Colandrea’s completion percentage against Oregon was his lowest in any game since the Mountain West Conference championship game against Boise State last year. His success rate on passes (43.7%) and EPA per drop back (0.14) are falling to the middle of the pack in college football (ranking 48th and 51st, respectively). Nebraska has too much talent at wide receiver and tight end for its passing game to be middle of the pack.

Like Oregon, Washington faces an unexpected quarterback battle heading into the Nebraska game. Demond Williams Jr. had a breakout 2025 season, announced his intention to return to the Huskies in 2026, and then flirted with LSU in the portal in January. However, he ultimately remained in Seattle, which was seen as a major win for Washington heading into 2026. 

However, he’s been disappointing for the Huskies. He ranks 119th in the country in EPA per dropback and 90th in success rate. Only 141 quarterbacks qualify for Game on Paper’s 2026 leaderboards. Williams took five sacks against Iowa, causing him to miss the end of that game with an injury, and allowed Elijah Brown to start against Purdue. In Big Ten play, Brown has outperformed Williams and led the Huskies to their only conference win of the season. Brown did throw three interceptions against the Boilermakers. I wouldn’t be surprised if both quarterbacks play against the Huskers.

Nebraska needed this bye week to help Jamal Rule return to full health. The Huskers need it more than ever, as both Isaiah Mozzee and Vincent Genatone are out. In Rule’s absence, Anthony Colandrea has taken on most of Nebraska's rushing work. The Huskers’ offense functions better when the ground game works. Rule is the most effective back for the Huskers. Thanks to Colandrea’s efforts, the Huskers are still averaging the nation’s 21st-ranked rushing offense in EPA per rush. However, the Huskie defense ranks 8th in EPA per rush allowed. 

Washington has also been hit by a rash of injuries at the running back position. The Huskies’ leading rusher is a true freshman – Brian Bonner Jr. Quarterback Demond Williams is also a key part of the Washington rushing attack, ranking second on the team in rushing yards. The Huskies are not a good rushing team, ranking 112th  in rushing success rate. Slowing Washington down on the ground should create short drives and give Nebraska more opportunities on offense.

Similar to what I thought Nebraska needed to do against Oregon, they need to do it again this week. During his press conference, Dana Holgorsen talked about the “race to 21.” Since Matt Rhule came to Nebraska, the Huskers are 17-1 when they reach 21 points first. Meanwhile, Washington is 27-1 in games where they win this race over the same time period. However, that one loss came to USC earlier this month. 

Getting to 21 first will build momentum for the Huskers players and the crowd. The stadium needs a boost after the last two weeks. I expect the Huskers to come out with a creative strategy, similar to their first few drives against Indiana. I expect Nebraska to take an early lead and carry that momentum into the rest of the game.

I think Nebraska gets its 6th win of the season in this matchup. I think the Huskers start fast and build a decent lead, but the Huskies have enough talent to hang around. I think Nebraska wins the race to 21 and the game 27-17.