00:00Dan Johnson takes you through his preview, prediction, and pick for CFB Week 2's game
00:05between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Akron Zips.
00:09Kansas City, Missouri, August 28th.
00:12Dylan Raiola, number 15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers,
00:15lead the offense in a huddle during the second half
00:17against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium on August 28th, 2025 in.
00:24Kansas City, Missouri.
00:25Aaron M.
00:27S. Photograph.
00:28Shutterstock slash Getty Images.
00:30Nebraska returns home with momentum, but the matchup profile is slower than the number.
00:34The Huskers controlled Cincinnati for 39-09 and converted 10 of 18 third downs.
00:42They produced 353 total yards at 4.5 per play, yet scored only 20 points.
00:49Dylan Raiola went 33 of 42 for 243 yards and two touchdowns with 78.6% accuracy.
00:58Emmett Johnson had seven receptions and 25 rushes for 108 yards.
01:04The defense in Nebraska only allowed 69 passing yards and produced two takeaways,
01:09one of which was a game-winning interception.
01:11That profile often drives unders, even in comfortable wins at home.
01:16Below is my prediction and pick-for-college football week two's game between me and the on Saturday.
01:23Here's how I'll play it.
01:24I'll be making these predictions for individual games throughout the season.
01:28And there's been a lot of talk about how Akron's offense doesn't pose much of a threat after their scoreless first game.
01:34The Zips finished with 228 total yards, averaging 3.2 per rush and 3.7 per attempt.
01:41They converted 3 of 15 third downs and recorded only 13 first downs.
01:47Ben Finley completed 16 of 38 for 139 yards with one interception, against steady pressure.
01:55Marquise Williams finished with 30 rushing yards and 47 receiving yards, respectively.
02:01Team ranks reflect the reality.
02:03134th in points, 111th in passing, and 110th rushing.
02:09That inefficiency does not fare well in a Big Ten nightclub.
02:13Short fields and a slower tempo are to be expected without sustained drives.
02:19Nebraska's defense should compress windows and force punts again.
02:22In the first week, the team gave up 271 total yards and limited Cincinnati to 52% completions.
02:31Nebraska sealed the game with an end zone interception at 0.34 remaining.
02:37Deshaun Singleton paced, tackling with seven stops.
02:40And Williams and Wanery flashed disruption up front.
02:43The secondary featured sticky coverage and rallied in space.
02:47Nebraska has a 52-11 record in home night games and has won six consecutive home openers.
02:54Recent non-conference games have leaned on Nebraska consistently.
02:58That pattern is consistent with this.
03:01Opponents' low explosiveness and ineffective success rates.
03:05The outcome indicates that field position prevails over fireworks.
03:09Pick, best bet.
03:10Market context also leans lower scoring despite a heavy spread.
03:15Nebraska's implied team totals is near 41.
03:18Yet last year's average was 28.5.
03:21Home splits show 45.4 average game totals.
03:25Below this market's 47.5 number.
03:27Nebraska posted an 8-4-1 ATS mark last season by, leaning defense and situational efficiency.
03:36Raiola's 78.6% completion rate suggests chain-moving throws, not constant explosives.
03:43In the first game, he took three sacks, which reduces vertical aggression.
03:47After completing 135 yards on 25 carries, Johnson should once again dominate.
03:55That approach bleeds clocked and reduces total plays.
03:58Conservative risk management is bolstered by Akron's shockingly low score last week.
04:04Akron's defense quietly showed situational grit despite yardage surrendered.
04:08With a late touchdown, Wyoming only scored 10 points despite gaining 426 yards.
04:15The Zips allowed 9 of 23rd down, but held the Cowboys 1 of 2 in the red zone.
04:21Shammon Cooper made 10 tackles, while Alex Branch and Justin Anderson added 9 each.
04:27The pass defense permitted 52.8% completions and log 1 interception, limiting chunk gains.
04:34Special teams flipped the field with a 68-yard punt and 49.5-yard average.
04:40Nebraska should win comfortably, but the pace and profiles point down.
04:45Backups and clock bleed will smother late scoring volatility and variance further.
04:51I project something like Nebraska 38.
04:54Akron 6 with backups closing early.
04:56Covering.
Comments