The Michigan Wolverines and Nebraska Cornhuskers are both fresh off of massive Week 3 victories as they begin Big Ten conference play. Michigan fell short of beating the Sooners in Week 2, but it looks like five star phenom freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has unlocked his full skill set now. Nebraska is still undefeated this year, but Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers still have to prove to fans that their unfortunate “lose when it matters most in as ugly a fashion possible” habit is truly gone for good. A win here could be a huge season-defining win for both teams.

This game could be a real watershed moment in the tenure of both Sherrone Moore (although still suspended for this game) and Matt Rhule as they try to get their programs back to the top of the Big Ten. Will it be Bryce Underwood or Dylan Raiola that proves to be worth the hype as a former five star recruit? Given just how impactful this game might be for both teams, media members from A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to predict the winner. The picks are in. Enjoy!

Michigan 24, Nebraska 23

Michigan dominated their bad opponents and looked pretty terrible against Oklahoma. However, with each passing week it becomes more and more clear that the Wolverines are adding layers to Bryce Underwood’s game. He finally unleashed his running ability against Central Michigan, racking up 114 yards and two scores on the ground. Underwood is layering passes well at the second and third levels of the defense now some too. If their 10th fewest yards per play and 14th ranked rush success rate allowed holds up on defense, forcing Nebraska to be one-dimensional, that might get them the win.

Nebraska is putting up some silly stats through the first three weeks as they rank top ten in total yards per game and 14th in yards per play, but much of their success has come against Akron (a bottom 10 FBS program) and Houston Christian (an FCS team). This game likely stays close to the end, but Nebraska ultimately comes up short late as the offense has less success against a tough Wolverines defense. Michigan 24, Nebraska 23. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Nebraska 24, Michigan 20

The top storyline of this one will obviously center around Bryce Underwood and Dylan Raiola, and for good reason. Nebraska’s star passer has been excellent thus far in 2025, but the Huskers haven’t played anyone nearly as talented at Michigan. A well-rounded showing could be his springboard into more of a national breakout moment. But Michigan’s defense has been spectacular against the run, so nothing will come easy. However, Underwood’s own struggles are concerning, and the Wolverines aren’t incredibly polished outside of their run defense. Nebraska will get after Underwood and suffocate his passing lanes as Oklahoma did, and I think the turnovers and lack of rhythm ultimately costs Michigan in a tight margin. – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports LSU

Michigan 21, Nebraska 17

Michigan’s conference opener against Nebraska feels like a must-win after their disastrous loss to the Oklahoma Sooners just a couple of weeks ago. On the road against one of the best crowds in college football, this is going to be another stiff test for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and an offense still trying to find their footing. The Cornhuskers boast the #1 passing defense in the country, allowing just 66 yards a game and holding every team this season under 100 yards. However, it’s the rushing attack that has given them fits, allowing 136 yards a game and nearly 4.5 yards a carry. If Justice Haynes and Bryce Underwood can keep Nebraska honest on the ground, their defense should be able to shoulder the load and keep Dylan Raiola in check just enough to edge out a win in a low-scoring game. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Nebraska 24, Michigan 20

If these two teams had played each other in 1997 for the National Championship, it would have done monster ratings. They split the National Title, and it was the final year where we truly had a split, as the BCS came around the next season.

The modern day matchup is interesting in one major aspect: the young quarterbacks. Dylan Raiola looks improved from last season, but the big plays haven’t quite been there yet. He’s processing at a high level right now, and the plays will come.

On Michigan’s side, Bryce Underwood certainly looks the part, but he is not quite there yet from a consistency perspective. Where this game will be won is in the passing game. The Cornhuskers currently have the top pass defense in the nation, including a dominant performance against Cincinnati in week one. The lack of weapons for the Wolverines will end up being too much for them to overcome, as the Cornhuskers get a program building win. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida

Michigan 30, Nebraska 17

I’m still not a believer in Dylan Raiola and Nebraska. And I’m not so sure Matt Rhule is a believer in Dylan Raiola either. The offense continues to be very pedestrian and it does not seem like the staff is ready to cut him loose just yet. On the flip side, Bryce Underwood has been cut loose. Well, at least he was last week.

Against Central Michigan, the former five-star prospect threw for 235 yards and one touchdown while also running for 114 yards and two more scores. I think Underwood’s legs are the difference in this one as Nebraska’s rush defense is not great (6.7 ypc vs Cincinnati).

Also, keep in mind, the Huskers haven’t beaten a ranked team in nine years. Give me the Wolverines. – Zach Berry, A to Z Sports Texas

Final Score Predictions for Michigan vs. Nebraska

The A to Z Sports staff sees this game as nearly a coin flip. On average, our team members picked this game to finish 23-21 in favor of the Michigan Wolverines over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In short, it seems that many still doubt Nebraska’s ability to win the big one until they actually pull it off. Year three Matt Rhule teams typically hit different, so the Cornhuskers might make this happen, but Michigan’s defense and burgeoning offense will be tough to beat.

We’ll be back with more Michigan Wolverines and Nebraska Cornhuskers coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!