Who: Nebraska vs. Rutgers

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Rutgers

TV: Big Ten Network

Spread: Nebraska -9.5

Matchup to watch: Leonte Carroo vs. Nebraska secondary

Call me crazy, but I think there’s a decent chance Carroo plays in this one. He’s been a game-time decision each of the last two weeks with the ankle injury. I’m no doctor, but early reports out of New Jersey sound a lot more promising than they did last week for the Scarlet Knights’ star receiver. That would be bad news for a Nebraska secondary that struggles against elite wideouts. The nation’s fourth-worst pass defense needs a collective effort to contain Carroo. His ability to take the top off a defense might be hindered with his ankle injury, but he still looked plenty capable of exposing Ohio State in the first half a few weeks ago. Aaron Burbridge consistently gashed the Huskers downfield last week. If Nebraska repeats that effort, Carroo will keep the Scarlet Knights in the game.

Thing I’m excited to see: A desperate Nebraska team

Maybe all that needed to happen for the Huskers to start playing well was facing a win-or-don’t-bowl scenario. These last three games are essentially playoff games for Nebraska. For the first time all year, Mike Riley’s team played like it had something to lose against Michigan State. Brandon Reilly was only in position to make that controversial game-winning catch because of the effort that was put forth in the 59 minutes before it. Guys flew to the ball, possessions weren’t given away on offense — with the exception of that brutal Tommy Armstrong red-zone interception — and Nebraska didn’t shoot itself in the foot with penalties. The pressure and any expectations came off this team when it lost at Purdue. Maybe part of it was the juice of a home night game against an undefeated team, but Nebraska was different last week. If the Huskers come out with that same mindset on Saturday, it could get ugly for the home team.

Number to remember: 4

Well, maybe that number should be ‘1.’ Janarion Grant has four touchdown returns this season, which is the most of anybody in FBS. The Rutgers speedster did his damage last week against Michigan, and further proved that he’s one of the top game-changers in college football. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t play in a lot of games that can be changed. Against Nebraska, that could be a different story. The Huskers cannot afford to go through the motions on kickoff and punt coverage. With the offensive struggles Rutgers had in recent weeks, it might need a home run play from Grant to get some points on the board. Nebraska would be wise to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Prediction: Nebraska 42, Rutgers 35

I see a bounce-back game for Chris Laviano. With potentially his job on the line, I think he finds success against the Blackshirts with or without Carroo. Robert Martin and Paul James could both break out to give the Rutgers offense some balance. Still, I don’t think the Scarlet Knights make enough stops on defense to end their three-game losing streak. It’s hard to bet on a defense that’s allowed 50 points and 500 yards per game in the last month. Jordan Westerkamp and Alonzo Moore both have big days to lead Nebraska to a shootout win to keep the bowl dream alive.