Minnesota will host Nebraska in this Big Ten kickoff on Thursday, August 31. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET while airing on FOX. Minnesota enters this game as 7.5-point favorites with the total set at 44.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Minnesota vs. Nebraska predictions below.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska Odds
- Spread: Minnesota -7.5
- Total: 44.5
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Game Info
- Date: Thursday, August 31
- Time: 8 pm ET
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- TV: FOX
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Minnesota Betting Trends
- Minnesota are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games.
Nebraska Betting Trends
- Nebraska are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nebraska’s last 5 games.
Check out our 4 Best College Football Bets for Week 1 of the NCAAF season.
Matt Rhule Era Begins In Nebraska
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have undergone significant changes during the offseason, with the most notable being the appointment of Matt Rhule as the new head coach.
Known for his successful stints at Temple and Baylor, Rhule is tasked with reviving the fortunes of the Cornhuskers, a team that has struggled in recent years. His arrival has brought a renewed sense of optimism and expectation among the Nebraska faithful, who are eager to see their team return to winning ways.
Rhule’s impact is already being felt, with the team adopting a more physical style of play, a hallmark of his coaching philosophy. The Huskers have also focused on improving their turnover ratio, an area that has been a significant weakness in recent seasons.
The team’s commitment to these changes was evident during their preseason camp, with players and coaches alike emphasizing the importance of playing hard, physical football and minimizing mental mistakes.
On the player front, the Huskers have added several new faces to their roster. Quarterback Jeff Sims, a transfer from Georgia Tech, is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s offensive setup. Known for his dynamic playing style, Sims will need to improve his accuracy and decision-making to help the Huskers succeed.
The team has also bolstered its wide receiver corps, with the likes of Malachi Coleman and Jaidyn Doss expected to make significant contributions.
Despite these positive changes, the Cornhuskers face a challenging schedule, with games against the likes of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
However, with Rhule at the helm and a rejuvenated squad, the Cornhuskers are optimistic about their chances. The team’s performance in their season opener against Minnesota will provide a clear indication of whether these offseason changes have had the desired effect.
Next Man Up For Minnesota
The Minnesota Golden Gophers, like their counterparts, have also undergone significant changes during the offseason. The team is looking to build on their recent success, having achieved back-to-back nine-win seasons. However, they face the challenge of replacing key players, including star quarterback Tanner Morgan and standout running back Mo Ibrahim.
Despite these departures, the Gophers have a solid foundation to build upon. They return one of the best defenders in the Big Ten, safety Tyler Nubin, and have a promising new quarterback in Athan Kaliakmanis. The young signal-caller showed promise last season, stepping in off the bench to lead the Gophers to victory over Nebraska. His development will be crucial to the team’s success this season.
The Gophers’ offensive line, a key strength in recent years, has also undergone a revamp. Despite losing three starters, the team is confident in the depth and talent of their offensive front. The line’s performance will be key to establishing the physical, run-first style of play that has become a hallmark of the Gophers under head coach P.J. Fleck.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Gophers will rely on their returning starters and a few new faces. The team’s defense, which ranked ninth nationally last season, will be a crucial factor in their quest for success. The Gophers’ ability to maintain their defensive prowess will be tested in their season opener against a Nebraska team eager to showcase its revamped offense.
Overall, the Minnesota Golden Gophers enter the 2023 season with high expectations. While they have key positions to fill, the team’s culture of hard work and physicality, coupled with the leadership of Coach Fleck, provides a solid foundation for success. Their season opener against Nebraska will be a key test of their offseason preparations and a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska Predictions
The Gophers enter the game as the favorites, with oddsmakers giving them a 7.5-point advantage. This is largely due to their recent success and the return of key defensive players. However, the Cornhuskers, under the new leadership of Matt Rhule and with a revamped roster, should not be underestimated. They have shown significant improvements during their preseason camp and are eager to prove their critics wrong.
In terms of betting, the Cornhuskers could be a smart pick to cover the spread. They have a new, dynamic quarterback in Jeff Sims, who could pose a significant threat to the Gophers’ defense. Additionally, the Huskers’ renewed focus on playing hard, physical football could help them keep the game close.
The Pick: Nebraska +7.5 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook