Friday night CFB action features a Big 10 clash between the Corn Huskers and Golden Gophers at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. SBR's Brendan Schaeffer breaks down the matchup in his Nebraska vs Minnesota prediction:
Game prediction: Nebraska -7 (-110 via BetMGM)
"Though I was initially inclined to lean toward the home underdog due to the potential turmoil in Nebraska's locker room and fear that Rhule could leave for greener pastures, the statistical advantage the Cornhuskers bring into this matchup is substantial.
Nebraska’s primary weakness is an 87th-ranked run defense that allows 163.8 yards per game, but Minnesota is virtually zero threat to exploit the Cornhuskers in that area. The Golden Gophers average just 83.8 rushing yards per outing (126th in FBS).
Minnesota’s preference offensively is to pass, with freshman QB Drake Lindsey racking up respectable totals in each of the team’s FBS wins. But Nebraska’s pass defense will be fatal to such a pursuit, as the Huskers boast the nation's second-ranked pass defense (128.3 yards per game).
It’s a better statistical pass defense than Ohio State, which suffocated Minnesota during a 42-3 result. The Golden Gophers haven’t lost a home game yet, but they're 1-2-1 against the spread at home.
Over/Under pick: Over 47.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
"Nebraska engages in a lot of shootouts, even though its defense ranks 32nd in adjusted efficiency, according to ESPN’s FPI. The Cornhuskers haven’t been involved in a game with fewer than 57 total points since their season opener in August.
Minnesota’s offense averages just 19.6 points per matchup against FBS competition, and it should struggle against Nebraska's pass defense. We'll lean on Nebraska’s offense to push this over the total instead then, as the Huskers rank 15th in the nation in scoring average (37.4 PPG)."
Game prediction: Nebraska -7 (-110 via BetMGM)
"Though I was initially inclined to lean toward the home underdog due to the potential turmoil in Nebraska's locker room and fear that Rhule could leave for greener pastures, the statistical advantage the Cornhuskers bring into this matchup is substantial.
Nebraska’s primary weakness is an 87th-ranked run defense that allows 163.8 yards per game, but Minnesota is virtually zero threat to exploit the Cornhuskers in that area. The Golden Gophers average just 83.8 rushing yards per outing (126th in FBS).
Minnesota’s preference offensively is to pass, with freshman QB Drake Lindsey racking up respectable totals in each of the team’s FBS wins. But Nebraska’s pass defense will be fatal to such a pursuit, as the Huskers boast the nation's second-ranked pass defense (128.3 yards per game).
It’s a better statistical pass defense than Ohio State, which suffocated Minnesota during a 42-3 result. The Golden Gophers haven’t lost a home game yet, but they're 1-2-1 against the spread at home.
Over/Under pick: Over 47.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
"Nebraska engages in a lot of shootouts, even though its defense ranks 32nd in adjusted efficiency, according to ESPN’s FPI. The Cornhuskers haven’t been involved in a game with fewer than 57 total points since their season opener in August.
Minnesota’s offense averages just 19.6 points per matchup against FBS competition, and it should struggle against Nebraska's pass defense. We'll lean on Nebraska’s offense to push this over the total instead then, as the Huskers rank 15th in the nation in scoring average (37.4 PPG)."