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Each week, the Two-Minute Drill provides an in-depth breakdown on all the key matchups that will decide a winner in the Huskers’ game. Here’s what Ohio and Nebraska bring to the showdown. * * * When Nebraska runs the ball Look for both teams to start the game by sending a message. Nebraska, with its retooled and improved offensive line, will want to run the ball. Ohio, with an undersized defense seeking to wreak backfield havoc, will want to aggressively stop the run and take its chances with NU’s receivers. The sledding could be tough early as the Huskers figure out which scheme Ohio embraces — 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 — and NU’s young backs, Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson and Jamal Rule, seek to get untracked. As the game progresses and the 95-degree heat takes hold on the Bobcats’ defense, you’ll see the holes open wider and wider. Don’t be surprised if NU mixes in a receiver sweep or two. People are also reading… EDGE: NEBRASKA When Nebraska throws the ball Coaches and teammates smile and talk about Anthony Colandrea in ways they didn’t about Dylan Raiola, but that doesn’t mean Raiola was chopped liver — Husker brass praised him too — and it doesn’t mean Colandrea’s already achieved something at NU beyond winning over his own room. Saturday’s the first test. Blessed with the best group of receivers Nebraska’s had since 2016 and an above average offensive line, Colandrea get time to cook both inside the pocket and improvise outside of it. Watch for his legs to extend a few plays and for offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen to cook up a few quick screens to Nyziah Hunter and Jacory Barney. Colandrea’s quick-processing will help NU on deep routes; he’ll see it faster than Raiola did. The Huskers should have a good day so long as Colandrea avoids the bad interception. Another high-profile transfer, Tanner Lee, struggled to do so. EDGE: NEBRASKA When Ohio runs the ball If you want to know if Nebraska’s run defense has improved, oh, you’ll find out on Saturday. Quickly. Or, if it hasn’t improved, slowly, because the Bobcats, who averaged 43 carries per game last season, intend to beat NU’s defense through a series of power runs that hit like paper cuts. Returning backup Duncan Brune is a 218-pounder who’s good in short-yardage, while quarterback Nick Poulos is a 6-foot-6, 234-pound load to handle. Ohio knows its way around a quarterback zone read, so NU’s front seven — including nickel Donovan Jones — will have a pack lunch and stay disciplined at the same time. NU will rotate eight-to-10 linemen and at least three linebackers, looking for ways to create tackles for loss. Putting Ohio behind the sticks is important to setting the stage for a blowout. The bar is 150 yards. We think the Bobcats clear it. EDGE: OHIO When Ohio throws the ball The Bobcats’ pass catchers were good enough last year that the lead receiver transferred to Cal, the No. 2 guy went to Oklahoma State and the tight end went to Ohio State. Their replacements, including a tight end from Marian (Ind.) University, will need time to gel with Poulus. Ohio’s offensive line could struggle against NU defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s diverse blitz package. If the Bobcats stay in winnable downs, it can shorten the field and hit hooks and outs against Aurich’s zone. If not, it could get ugly, with multiple interceptions. EDGE: Nebraska Special teams Nebraska hit the reimagine button on special teams more than it hit reset. NU kept the drill work and philosophy installed by Mike Ekeler — who left for USC after one year at NU — while smoothing out some of Ekeler’s rougher edges about trying to change the game with every return. NU returns kicker Kyle Cunanan and punter Archie Wilson, who should be improved, plus punt returner Jacory Barney, a wild card good for at least one big play per game. Ohio has one of the MAC’s better punter in Magnus Haines. The Bobcats turn to a transfer at kicker and start over at kick and punt returner. EDGE: Ohio Intangibles The Bobcats possess the puncher’s promise, and some hope, too, given they nearly won at Rutgers last year and, one week later, upset West Virginia. The roster is stuffed with guys who believe they can pull an upset and know they can beat Colandrea — they did it last year when Ohio beat UNLV in a bowl game. Ohio has little to lose and their former legendary coach — Frank Solich, in attendance — to impress. Nebraska counters with its own edge — a chip embodied by Colandrea, the quarterback, a roster full of transfers and a defensive coordinator whose fire and desire to get things rocking make him a coach players want to impress. EDGE: OHIO Key matchup – Nebraska’s wideouts vs. Ohio’s secondary Holgorsen said he has an “extremely” high bar for receivers — he used to be one, and he used to coach them — so he does not hesitate to get after guys when needed. But he likes this group, led by Nyziah Hunter, Kwazi Gilmer, Jacory Barney and Quinn Clark. He likes their speed, their physicality and their hands. He may well need them to make plays on Saturday to open up NU’s run game. Ohio’s secondary doesn’t have the skillset to slow Nebraska down for an entire game. EDGE: NEBRASKA Overall Somewhere between Nebraska’s quiet confidence and the fan base’s fairly loud skepticism resides the result of this game. NU’s coaching staff and players plan to stun doubters with an offense that bowls over the Bobcats and a defense that looks much better than what left Las Vegas. Skeptics will come to this game intrigued by Colandrea’s playmaking and Rob Aurich’s lunchpail ethos, but knowing they’ve heard these stories before, including from coach Matt Rhule. Fans will leave with reasons to hope — and still question. At some point, NU’s offense breaks things open with a share of big plays, Ohio isn’t quite able to answer, and the narrative marches on to next week and another MAC opponent. PREDICTION: NEBRASKA 42 OHIO 20