College football is finally here, and we will offer our Nebraska vs. Northwestern predictions for the first game of the season.
This is an interesting Big Ten matchup that will take place in Ireland. Both squads have new faces in uniform, and the unique travel schedule presents some challenges as well.
We’ll break down those obstacles while offering Nebraska vs. Northwestern predictions for the opening game of the NCAA football campaign.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Predictions
For my Nebraska vs. Northwestern predictions, I’ll be placing these wagers at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Nebraska vs. Northwestern Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern | +13 (-110) | +400 | O 50.5 (-110) |
| Nebraska | -13 (-110) | -500 | U 50.5 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 22.
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
- TV: FOX
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for Nebraska vs. Northwestern:
- Northwestern is 1-5 ATS in its last six conference games.
- Nebraska is 5-1 to the Over in its last six conference games.
- The favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six Nebraska-Northwestern meetings.
- According to DraftKings (as of Mon. afternoon), 55% of betting tickets and 67% of money is on Nebraska ATS.
- 53% of tickets are on the Over, but 77% of the money is on the Under.
Can Nebraska Get Over The Hump?
Nebraska hasn’t been able to figure things out under head coach Scott Frost. The talent has been there, but the Huskers have lost an unbelievable amount of close games in the last four years. So what’s going to be the difference this time around?
For starters, Frost has a new quarterback in Casey Thompson, who transferred from Texas. Former Husker QB Adrian Martinez has manned the offense for the better part of Frost’s four-year tender, and he never quite broke through. Perhaps a change in signal-callers could suit the Big Red well.
As someone who loves sports it always amazes me to listen to players and coaches break down plays, game plans, situations, etc.
Huskers quarterback Casey Thompson broke down Northwestern's defense today and I was blown away.
Here's Thompson's in depth break down. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/95JFk4qyhW
— Eddie Messel (@EddieMesselTV) August 21, 2022
While the offense is somewhat of an unknown (new QB, four returning starters), the Nebraska defense should be a strength. The stats from last season don’t jump off the page, but the Huskers’ defense routinely kept them in games despite the inconsistencies and turnovers on the other side of the ball. Nebraska returns four of its top five tacklers, but the secondary will break in some new faces.
How Much Will Northwestern Improve?
Let’s face the facts here. Northwestern is a defensive team that takes on the attitude of their head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, who happens to be a defensive specialist. The offense, on the other hand, isn’t usually good. That was the case last year, as the Wildcats ranked 125th nationally in scoring (16.6 ppg) and 116th in total offense (321.6 ypg). That probably won’t change too much in 2022.
Northwestern is at its best when it runs the ball and slows the game down. Evan Hull had more than 1,000 yards rushing last season, and Cam Porter will return from injury to join him in the backfield. They will run behind an offensive line that returns all but one starter. Among them, LT Peter Skoronski, who will be a bonafide first-rounder in the NFL draft.
Fun watching Peter Skoronski today – can see why he’s a 1st rounder in every mock draft. Should lead the way for what should be a really good run game with Cam Porter and Evan Hull. pic.twitter.com/G8x5DFZxEe
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 5, 2022
That’s the good news. On the other hand, Northwestern doesn’t have much in terms of explosiveness on offense. This allows opposing defenses to load the box and sell out against the run. Nebraska will probably inherit that game plan on Saturday.
The Wildcats return five starters on defense, but they hit the transfer portal to help fill in gaps on the defensive line. Northwestern underachieved up front last season, and that was especially true when they let Nebraska run all over them in a 56-7 victory last October. With a healthy defense and an entire offseason to game plan, the Wildcats are better equipped to slow the Huskers this time around.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Predictions
If you read the paragraphs above, then you already know where I’m going with this pick.
The Huskers have plenty of new faces on offense while going against a scrappy Northwestern team with a defensive-minded coach. On the other side, the Wildcats are a run-first team whose offensive scheme plays into the strengths of Nebraska’s defense.
This is the first game of the year with plenty of moving parts on both sides. Not to mention the unusual conditions of having two college squads play an important conference opener overseas.
I do think Nebraska wins this game. They have the edge in talent. However, Scott Frost’s teams have been turnover-prone, so I don’t trust the Huskers covering 13 points. Give me the Under instead.
Pick: Under 50.5 total points | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Remember To Grab Your $200 In Free Bets
New to DraftKings Sportsbook? Then take advantage of this outstanding welcome offer:
Simply bet $5+ on any NFL or NCAAF game and get $200 in free bets instantly.
This promotion expires on Sept. 19 – so act now!
Tackle this special offer through our exclusive link OR click the image below.
