Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Projected to Face Missouri in Music City Bowl

What's Happening?

The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team is projected by USA TODAY Sports to face the Missouri Tigers in the Music City Bowl. This projection marks a change from previous predictions that had Nebraska facing Oklahoma in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Nebraska, coming off a bye week, has shown strong performance with an average of just under 500 total yards and 44 points per game. Their defense has been effective, allowing fewer than 14 points and less than 76 yards passing per game. However, they have struggled against strong rushing offenses, as evidenced by their recent loss to Michigan, where they allowed 286 rushing yards. Missouri, on the other hand, has been dominant offensively, averaging 45 points and nearly 550 yards per game. The Tigers' defense has also been solid, allowing just under 15 points per game. Both teams are expected to face challenging opponents in the coming weeks, which could impact their postseason standings.

Why It's Important?

The potential matchup between Nebraska and Missouri in the Music City Bowl is significant as it revives a classic rivalry and could be a highlight of the postseason. For Nebraska, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their return to bowl games after an eight-year drought. A strong performance could enhance their reputation and provide momentum for future seasons. For Missouri, facing a historic rival like Nebraska offers a chance to showcase their offensive prowess on a national stage. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams' standings within their respective conferences and influence their recruiting efforts. Additionally, the game could attract significant attention from fans and media, boosting the profile of both programs.

What's Next?

Nebraska will need to navigate a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, facing teams with strong aerial offenses like Maryland, Minnesota, and USC, as well as formidable run defenses such as Penn State and Iowa. Their performance in these games will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. Missouri, meanwhile, will face a series of top-25 conference opponents, including Alabama, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. These matchups will test their capabilities and could determine their eligibility for the Music City Bowl. Both teams will be looking to secure victories to enhance their bowl game prospects and end the season on a high note.