Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Bowling Green

This is Nebraska 's response game after an uneven Week 1 win. The Huskers made it happen last year, going from a 20-17 nail-biter over Cincinnati to a 68-0 demolition over Akron . The same thing should happen again this time, going from Ohio to Bowling Green .

Nebraska's first-half struggles were problematic, but its second-half showing is likely what will be the main theme for this week. This is because Bowling Green lost at home to Tarleton State 20-13. Though the Texans are currently No. 5 in the FCS rankings, the Falcons' loss still creates opportunities for the Huskers.

For starters, Bowling Green surrendered 250 rushing yards on just 26 carries to one player. The Huskers, meanwhile, enter the matchup with a trio of running backs and a dual-threat quarterback that combined for 240 yards on 41 carries against Ohio. Jamal Rule alone averaged 8.1 yards per carry in his 122-yard collegiate debut, so the opportunity to exceed those numbers is here.

In the air, the Falcons only allowed 206 passing yards, but it was on 16 completions and Tarleton State's Kaden Anderson threw two touchdowns as well. Colandrea finished 18-of-32 for 275 yards and three touchdowns against the Bobcats, showing signs of another Husker likely having a big game.

On the other side of the ball, Bowling Green totaled just 104 rushing yards, averaged 2.8 yards per carry and fumbled twice. Falcons' quarterback Jay Kastantin did however throw 24-of-30 for 262 yards and ran for 17 yards on nine carries. He is the main wrinkle for the Blackshirts after what Nick Poulos did last week. Whether he makes plays with his legs or arm, Nebraska needs to show it can stop the quarterback. Now, linebacker Owen Chambliss is coming back this week for Nebraska, so his presence can help.

Bowling Green fell behind 17-0 in the first half to Tarleton State and only put up 13 points. Prairie View A&M scored 30 and allowed 49 against Tarleton State nearly two weeks ago. The opportunity is here for Nebraska to make a statement win. The Huskers just need to come out and play like a Big Ten team.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 66, Bowling Green 6

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.