Follow along as The Daily Nebraskan’s sports senior staff makes their predictions for every Nebraska football game this fall.
A rolling tally will be kept throughout 2025, with the best record crowned at the end of the season.
Anthony Rubek, senior sports editor: Nebraska 49, Houston Christian 7
Nebraska left no room for doubt against an FBS team last week, and I expect the same versus an FCS team this week.
The Huskers’ offense is full of dynamic playmakers that can go off at any moment. Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola had the best stat line of his career against Akron and should carry that momentum forward. Sophomore receiver Jacory Barney Jr. is also coming off a career-best performance and is due for his first career receiving touchdown.
Nebraska’s defense is fresh off pitching its first shutout since 2009 and is looking for a repeat. While I think Houston Christian finds paydirt, it comes well into garbage time against the Huskers’ second or third unit.
With a massive matchup against Michigan looming, Nebraska puts forward another impressive performance to send them into next week with optimism.
Ben Beecham, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 42, Houston Christian 3
Sure, Nebraska just beat Akron 68-0, but I’d argue Houston Christian is better than the Zips. Akron may not win a game this season, but the Huskies have had some success this year.
I think it takes the Huskers a bit longer to jump out to a lead this week, much like the Northern Iowa game last year. Houston Christian touts a great defense that Matt Rhule has been hyping up all week and I expect it to make Nebraska bring Archie Wilson out at least once.
The Huskers wanted to send a message last week, but they don’t need that this week. They just need to tune up before they see Michigan next week. Nebraska will obviously walk away with a blowout win this weekend, but I think Rhule will put on the brakes a little.
Alex Berry, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 52, Houston Christian 3
After a dominant performance last week against Akron, Nebraska is set to repeat its success this week.
The Huskers packed the stat line with 14 different receivers hauling in a catch, and eight different players recording a rush or more, giving multiple second and third-string players the opportunity to showcase their skills. I expect that to be the same story against the Huskies.
Redshirt Freshman wide receiver Quinn Clark was a player who stood out. Clark found the endzone for the first time in his career on a 37-yard grab, and I expect Raiola to find him multiple times this week.
This week will be Nebraska’s last “freebie” on its schedule and will not fall short of dominance. My bold take of the week: The Blackshirts force two interceptions and a fumble.
Bobby Schneider, senior sports reporter: Nebraska 56, Houston Christian 3
Multiple career highs and Raiola’s school record-setting night shone in Nebraska’s home-opening 68-0 shutout over Akron. This week should entail the same vibe. Although the dominant win left many to desire, the Huskers still have lingering issues in short-yardage rushing on offense and allowing explosive rushes on defense.
I anticipate week two’s standout, Kade Pietrzak, to showcase even more flash against FCS Houston Christian. The true freshman D-lineman’s physicality is elite. And if a tailback other than Emmett Johnson emerges as a short-yardage option, I think it’s Kwinten Ives.
Parallel to last week, this one should be over by half. If not, NU didn’t show up to the 11 a.m. kick. Here’s a bold prediction: Clark finds the end zone again.
Standings
1. Ben Beecham 2-0 (+/- 26 points)
T-2. Alex Berry 2-0 (+/- 34 points)
T-2. Anthony Rubek 2-0 (+/- 34 points)
T-2. Bobby Schneider 2-0 (+/- 34 points)