Nebraska scored 492 of their total 607 points that season PRIOR to the 4th quarter. That means that Nebraska scored 81% of their points before the 4th quarter, hardly call that running of the score.
Likewise, Michigan scored 262 of their total 322 points (huge difference in offensive output btw) that season prior to the 4th quarter. Meaning that Michigan also scored 81% of their points prior to the 4th quarter.
Both teams score the same percentage of points prior to the 4th quarter. I wouldn't say, either team ran up the score.
Also... you claim that the Big 12 was a weaker conference that year, but the Big 12 finished with more ranked teams (5) than the Big10 (4) including two top 10 teams in Nebraska and Kansas St whereas Michigan was the only top 10 BigTen team. The Big10 also had a team go winless, 0-11, when even Iowa St got a win (1-10). Unlike Michigan, Nebraska also had to risk it all in an additional conference championship game. Michigan actually skipped out on playing one of the ranked BigTen teams in Purdue.
Nebraska allowed on average 16-17 points per game. #5 total defense
Michigan allowed on average 10 points per game. #1 total defense
Nebraska scored on average 47 points per game. #1 total offense
Michigan scored on average 27 points per game. #44 total offense
Not true. It has always been about stability and money.
If that is true, then why, by your own admission, are "experts" favoring Nebraska? To put the Colorado game on the same level of meaning from a CU perspective is completely nonsensical. I am sure CU would prefer to have won both, but who do you think they care more about winning against, a good nonconference opponent, or an IN CONFERENCE RIVAL?