Greg McElroy, former Alabama QB and current ESPN analyst, shared some must-watch non-conference college football games for the 2024 season on his Always College Football podcast.

Greg McElroy highlighted a Week 2 game between Colorado and Nebraska as a potential postseason influencer. Last year, Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes beat the Huskers 36-14 at Folsom Field. This game is part of a home-and-home series between these old Big Eight rivals. McElroy believes both teams have made key improvements, making this year’s clash more balanced.

“Last year, Colorado struggled along the lines of scrimmage,” McElroy noted. “Their speed and skill on the outside helped them beat Nebraska. However, this year, things might be different, as Colorado’s vulnerabilities may not be so easily covered by their athleticism.”

In Matt Rhule’s second year, Nebraska looks stronger with new talent. They’ve progressed since the former NFL coach arrived. But will these newcomers help the Huskers, especially against Colorado’s seasoned offense featuring Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr.?

“I believe the new athletic transfers will really boost the Huskers,” McElroy commented. “Their defense is much stronger compared to last year’s early game against Colorado. Plus, we might finally see Dylan Raiola face a tough opponent.”

McElroy thinks the result might put pressure on either Sanders or Rhule. It could mark the beginning of the end, but a total collapse is needed for that to happen.

“This game will show if a comeback is possible,” McElroy said. “If Nebraska loses at home, what does Matt Rhule’s second year look like? And if Colorado loses to Nebraska on the road, is the excitement around Coach Prime’s time there fading?”

Colorado heads to Nebraska on September 7, with the game broadcast nationally on NBC. This marks only the eighth time CU will appear on NBC, with most previous games being Bowl matchups, such as the 1962, ’77, ’90, and ’91 Orange Bowls, and the 1993 and ’95 Fiesta Bowls. The sole regular season game aired on NBC was in 1990 against Tennessee. CU last played on NBC during the 1995 Fiesta Bowl, as noted by CU Athletics.