Nebraska rested up this past week with its bye and now enters the latter half of the season 5-2 for the third straight year. The Huskers struggled in the second half of the season over the past decade. However, Nebraska is in a position to get over that hump and close out the season strong, starting with the Washington Huskies on Halloween night.

Both teams are in a bind, suffering tough losses in Big Ten play because of offensive struggles and defensive woes. For Washington, the main issue lies at quarterback. Demond Williams Jr. and Elijah Brown could play Saturday, and both present pros and cons.

In Big Ten action, Williams has thrown 39-of-65 for 506 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also suffered 16 sacks across just three Big Ten games, negating his dual-threat ability. He’s got just 33 rushing yards on 39 carries in that stretch. This hurt Washington’s run game in those games, with the Huskies totaling just 153 yards on 85 carries and averaging 1.8 yards per carry.

Washington did manage to break through in its win against Purdue, though, tallying 186 rushing yards on 34 carries. But Williams also didn’t play against the Boilermakers due to injury. Brown started the game and threw 21-of-27 for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Brown also played over a half against Iowa and finished 28-of-39 for 251 yards and three touchdowns. 

However, he also took three sacks in those two games and is rushing for -30 yards on five carries. Brown also threw three interceptions against Purdue. Washington suffered five turnovers in the win over the Boilermakers, bringing their total to eight in Big Ten play. 

Now it faces a Nebraska defense that has frustrated quarterbacks. In their last four games, the Huskers totaled 10 sacks and forced seven turnovers, including five interceptions. The Blackshirts are also strong against the run, allowing just 93.5 rushing yards per game on just over 29 carries per game. 

However, the Huskers have struggled against running quarterbacks, allowing double-digit rushing yards in four of their seven games. This could be Williams’ area of success if he plays. Otherwise, Brown’s second-straight start poses a different challenge for Nebraska.

Against Big Ten quarterbacks, the Blackshirts are allowing 18.5 completions on 33 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown, and over one interception per game. The Huskers especially allowed many big plays in the air. Across the four conference games, Nebraska allowed 12 passing plays of 20 yards or greater. 

Brown could add to that number and even lead Washington to a win. However, that depends on Nebraska’s offense and what it can do against the Huskies’ defense. After a strong start to the season, the Huskers stalled out yet again. 

Anthony Colandrea has suffered multiple sacks since entering Big Ten play. In the last two games, he’s been taken down nine times. Also, like Williams, Colandrea’s been Nebraska’s main driver in the run game. The team is averaging 143 rushing yards on over 37 carries per Big Ten game. Colandrea, meanwhile, is averaging just under 65 rushing yards on 12.5 carries per conference game. He’s also averaging 21 completions on 35.5 throws for 219.5 passing yards and just under two touchdowns per conference game.

But now, the Huskers are facing a defense that’s dealt with many issues in Big Ten play. The Huskies are allowing just over 19 completions on just under 31 throws for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception per Big Ten contest. On the ground, the Huskies allowed over 150 rushing yards and a touchdown on just over 33 carries per Big Ten game.

This could be the game where Nebraska gets its offense back on track, or at least begin the journey back to a more consistent showing. If the offensive line can open lanes and the Huskers’ running backs can deliver, Colandrea can perform without being the sole source. 

But Nebraska’s defense also needs to watch for big plays and make sure Washington doesn’t find ways to steal a win. Despite the losses and big plays, the Blackshirts held two talented teams to 20 points or fewer. Washington’s versatility and odds of getting an explosive play will lead to points, but it still has to prove it can be a dominant force. 

Plus, with Nebraska hosting on Halloween night after its bye and facing two of the tougher Big Ten teams in the conference, the advantage truly lies with the Huskers.