Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Washington

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Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Washington

Nebraska vs Washington live updates, score and highlights

Thomas Codo, Cornhuskers Wire · Cornhuskers Wire

Sat, October 31, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC ·

4 min read

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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.

Score Prediction:Nebraska 34, Washington 20

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A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

Sep 2, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs for a short gain during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

(Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Sept 9, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) attempts to throw a pass off before being sacked by James Madison Dukes defensive lineman Jamree Kromah (9) during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Pajewski-USA TODAY Sports
(Hannah Pajewski, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Sep 15, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
(Reggie Hildred, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Sep 22, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles from North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Aug 31, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scores a touchdown past Richmond Spiders linebacker Wayne Galloway (9) and Spiders defensive back Bryson Parker (4) during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
(Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Nov 8, 2025; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles and runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing, Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

Nov 8, 2025; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) attempts a pass in the third quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 23, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) pitches the ball against the Ohio Bobcats during the second half at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
(Raymond Carlin III, Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)

Dec 23, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) looks downfield against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
(Raymond Carlin III, Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)

Dec 23, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Ohio Bobcats linebacker Charlie Christopher (30) makes the tackle of UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the second half at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
(Raymond Carlin III, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 5, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs against Ohio Bobcats linebacker Jack Fries (27) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 5, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs for a touchdown against Ohio Bobcats linebacker Jack Fries (27) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 5, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) catches the snap against the Ohio Bobcats during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 19, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) is tackled by North Dakota Fighting Hawks defensive back Avery Dixon (2) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 19, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) looks to pass against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) hands the ball to running back Jamal Rule (25) against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
(Dale Young, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Charles Brantley (4) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
(Dale Young, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Eli Coenen (96) pressures Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
(Dale Young, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) sprints past the Spartan defense during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
(Dale Young, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 3, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) passes against the Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 10, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs against Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jaylen Bell (3) and safety Preston Zachman (6) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 10, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 10, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs against Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Stephen Daley (9) and defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt (18) during the third quarterat Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 10, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 10, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
(Dylan Widger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Teitum Tuioti (44) chases after Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scores a touchdown during the second half against Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) throws a pass during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 17, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule calls out a play to quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Washington

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A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

Social media reacts to Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea returning in '27

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career

A look at Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea's college football career