Nebraska 28, Colorado 20

Nebraska won an ugly season finale and starts the post season with a 5 game winning streak.  The Huskers gave up more yards and points then they probably wanted, but got a touchdown in all three facets of the game (offense, defense, special teams).  In other words, they did what they had to do to win the game.  As long as they keep winning, the ugliness is okay.  Next week will be a huge test and if the Huskers can pull out an upset, they'll automatically qualify for a BCS Bowl.

Let's review the keys:

Nebraska needs to...

*Play calm

NU didn't let their emotions get the best of them too often and responded well defensively when CU was threatening to score late in the 3rd quarter, forcing back-to-back scoreless drives after allowing the Buffs to get to their red zone.

*Stop Rodney Stewart

"Speedy" had 110 yards, but no scores.  The Huskers could've done better, but they surely could've done worse.  Also, he had just 1 reception for 6 yards.

*Run, then pass

Exactly what the Huskers need to do the rest of the season.  The Huskers needed a huge drive when up just 7 in the 4th quarter.  What did they do?  They ran the ball down the Colorado defense's throat, and threw just once for a huge 3rd down conversion.  Also, the lone TD throw by Lee was set up by a play action pass

Nebraska needs to control...

*The Colorado Offensive Line

Not exactly.  There were key plays (such as Suh's 17 yard sack) that the Huskers dominated at the line.  However, there were hardly an other TFL and Colorado's run offense got too many yards up front.

*The crowd

I was there.  The crowd had no effect on the game.  This was partly due to Nebraska's play and a lot to do with the amount of red in Folsom Field.  There was roughly 20 to 25% Husker fans, and when the ball was in their end zone, Husker fans were loud.

*Their turnovers

Roy Helu, Jr. did have a fumble that ultimately didn't hurt the Huskers, but it could have.  Colorado could've tied the game up with a short field.  Luckily, the couldn't convert and the Huskers didn't look back.  Zac Lee was conservative, but he made no mistakes and you can't fault him for that.

Predictions

*Zac Lee will throw 2 or more touchdown passes

Wrong.  Lee did have a beautiful throw to Ben Cotton for a TD, but missed another opportunity earlier.  When the time mattered, the Huskers executed on the ground instead.

*Rex Burkhead's load will be heavier

Right.  Rex was arguably the player of the game for the Huskers.  He did an awesome job running between the tackles and gives the Huskers a two-headed running attack, finally.  Rex had his first 100 yard game, had a TD, and didn't fumble.

*Nebraska 30, Colorado 10

Wrong.  Nebraska looked to keep it close to my prediction until a dismal 57 yard Hail Mary TD on the last play of the game.  But, 28-20 was a better indication of the game compared to 28-14 anyways.  The Huskers didn't deserve to win by 20, 14, or even 10 points.

For the future:

Nebraska did a great job of running the ball.  Texas should, and probably will, make Zac Lee beat them.  Burkhead and Helu, Jr. are great running backs and can play tough against almost any defense in the nation.  The Husker defense has been giving up more yards as of late, and can't afford to keep giving up those yards against a high powered offense like Texas'.  It'd be nice to see Lee go downfield more often with deeper throws.  The slant routes to Paul and Kinnie were open and they need to use these plays early vs. Texas and go down field later on.