LINCOLN, NEB. - As Nebraska gets set to host Colorado on Saturday night, the contest is one of a strong defense, matched against strong skill players on offense.

Nebraska's defense picked up where they left off in 2023, holding UTEP to just seven points and 205 yards in Saturday’s 40-7 season opening win. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes bring back quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way talent Travis Hunter.

Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White understands the task that lies ahead.

“They’re going to be a big challenge, they’re a really explosive offense,” White said. “When you got a quarterback of his [Shedeur Sanders] knowledge, experience, and talents, it’s going to be a challenge for the defense so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

White says Nebraska’s worked on more seven-on-seven drills to prepare for the high-flying offense Colorado possesses. In a week one win over North Dakota State, the Buffs racked up 504 yards of offense, with two-way talent Travis Hunter catching seven passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s a special player.. He’s one of the best athletes in the country, there’s now other way to sugar coat that,” White said. “You also just really admire the way he goes about the game, his love for the game, the way he plays. He’s a play maker no matter where you put him.”

In week one, Nebraska held UTEP to 205 total yards, making it now eight straight contests where the opposing offense doesn’t crack 400, while recording a safety for the first time since 2009. Seniors Isaac Gifford and Ty Robinson understand the meaning of the rivalry, but say the defense remains focused on playing their game and improving.

“We’re just going to go prep, treat them like any other opponent, watch film and make sure we’re ready for them.” Robinson said.

“I’m putting the focus on us,” Gifford said. “I’m not focusing on them. Everyone wants to make the game about them and whatever, it’s about us… It’s about what we’re going to do and how we’re going to get better from week one to week two.”

Saturday’s contest is the 73rd all time meeting between Colorado and Nebraska and a rematch of Colorado’s 36-14 win in Boulder in 2023.

Kick off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday night.