Purdue at Nebraska – Preview and Prediction

Purdue at Nebraska – Preview and Prediction

NEBRASKA 24 PURDUE (61.5)

MEGALOCKS LINE – Nebraska -21            Sagarin ratings – 26.5

“Vegas” Implied Projected Score:  Nebraska 42.75 Purdue 18.75

Massey Ratings Projected Score:   Nebraska 45 Purdue 21

The Game

YOUR Nebraska Cornhuskers are off to a RAGING 6-0 start and look to keep their undefeated streak going against the struggling Boilermakers. Purdue fired HC Darrell Hazell (maybe the best administrative decision in college football history) and look to grab three more wins this season to become bowl eligible. Not an impossible task.

The Match-Up

Nebraska offense vs Purdue defense

Let’s be honest. The Cornhuskers are going to have a fun time running against a Purdue defense that has given up 300+ yards rushing in three straight games (!!). Yes, the offensive line is banged up, but the Huskers should be able to do whatever they want on the ground. We are fans of QB Tommy Armstrong but boy did he give us a heart attack last week. Maybe it is the play calling ? In any event, if Nebraska sticks to the ground attack no matter who is in there, we see no reason why they cannot take at 7-0 record into their game vs Wisconsin next Saturday.

Purdue offense offense vs Nebraska defense

The Boilermakers definitely have a good QB in David Blough. Sure, he has thrown 10 INT, but Purdue is seemingly always behind and Blough has done a decent job in our opinion. There is just too much pressure when you need to score on every possession. The major problem we see is that the Nebraska pass defense is excellent and Purdue is going to have trouble doing what they do best.

MEGA-MAZEMENT !

Nebraska has Wisconsin and Ohio St on deck…not saying just saying….LY Purdue beat Nebraska in a wild and wacky affair 55-45….Purdue is last in the FBS (!) in 3rd down defense…..Nebraska games are 5-1 to the under in 2016.

Summary

A good rule of thumb for all you Sparkies out there is to never bet against a team coming off a coaching change. In any sport. Purdue is absolutely horrible on defense but they have a decent QB and running game. The Huskers are beat up on the OL and most certainly know that there are bigger fish to fry on the remainder of the schedule. It seems like Purdue or nothing. Or nothing. Did we say nothing ?

Conclusion

Official play: None

Lean: Purdue at +24 or better. Under at 61 or better.