The Wolverines will be facing Nebraska on the road tomororw for their first road game of the year and of the Big Ten season. Nebraska has the best run defense in the country which is something that goes up against Michigan's biggest strength over the past couple seasons, the run game.
In the last couple Big Ten Championship seasons, Michigan started off hot in their first Big Ten road game beating Wisconsin 38-17 in 2021 and beating Iowa 27-14 in 2022. Those games seemed to set the tone for the rest of the season for Michigan and allowed the team to get some momentum and confidence built up early. Both games were seen to be good tests for the team and Michigan answered the call.
This season, the opponent isn't quite as scary but is also not a free win either. Michigan was in a tight game last time they played Nebaraska in Lincoln but pulled out the W in the end. I don't think this year's Nebraska is as good as the one in 2021 but their rushing defense should be a good test for Michigan. We will hopefully be able to see where Michigan's offensive line is at and where they may need to improve. So far I'd like to see improvement at the right tackle position so that is an area to keep on eye on during the game. Establishing the run in this game should calm some of those Michigan fans down who are worried about the run game and boost the team's confidence even more.
My prediction:
I think Michigan is far too experienced and tough to lose this game and I think they will be able to establish the run game and allow JJ to sling the ball around a bit as well as Nebraska's passing defense is amongst the worst in the country. Nebraska's offense isn't good enough to score much on Michigan's defense which has been lockdown so far this year. That is why I see Michigan winning this game 31-10.
GO BLUE!