Nebraska at Northwestern – Preview and Prediction
NEBRASKA 7.5 NORTHWESTERN (47.5)
Implied Projected Score: Nebraska 27.5 Northwestern 20
MEGALOCKS LINE – Nebraska 6
The Game
The Wildcats can start to forget about their disappointing start with a win over Nebraska on Saturday to kick of Big 10 play. Northwestern picked up their first win of the campaign last week vs Duke while the Cornhuskers are coming off a yuuuuge win over the Oregon Ducks that moved their record to 3-0. This is a big game in the Big 10 West.
The Match-Up
Nebraska offense vs Northwestern defense
Northwestern has played really good defense in the first three games. They held a potent W Michigan team to 22 points and only allowed 13 points last week at home vs Duke. Their secondary is banged up and they are not really causing much havoc yet here they are again with a high-performing defense. It will be tested on Saturday as the Huskers has shown they can be equally effective running and throwing the football. We see a quietly efficient day for the Huskers that will result in at least 20 points. There is just too much talent to think otherwise.
Northwestern offense vs Nebraska defense
We do not have a read on the Huskers defense as of yet. Going into the season we had concerns about the DL. Well they looked good the first two games against Fresno St and Wyoming and then were ripped apart by Oregon for over 300 yards on the ground without Royce Freeman for most of the game. Everybody is going to struggle with Oregon but the jury is still out at MEGALOCKS HQ.
The Wildcats’ running game has struggled so far and they have played teams that they SHOULD have been able to run the ball against. QB Clayton Thorson hit some big plays last week, but overall, he has completed less than half of his passes this season (51% LY) and NW needs to run the ball successfully this week or they have no shot. Can they ? Our gut says no but the Wildcats pull 5-6 surprises every year (good and bad).
MEGA Minutia
We took a sniff at the total with a lean to the under but amaze your friends with this gem….The last 5 meetings between these two teams have all had 50+ points scored…..Overall unders are gold Jerry just GOLD in Northwestern home games (27-8 L35 to the under) but these two teams have a way of trading haymakers…….Nebraska fans will be glad to hear they are 11-3 L14 ATS in road games.
Summary
Our gut says Nebraska. Our numbers say Northwestern. Do we really know how good the Huskers are yet ? We think they are better than the Wildcats. But are they eight points better on the road ? Just do not know yet. As per above, gonna avoid the total.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: None