Nebraska vs. Northwestern Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Casey Thompson Turn Cornhusker Debut into a Win?
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Casey Thompson Turn Cornhusker Debut into a Win?
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will open up the new college football season with a game against the Northwestern Wildcats. This isn't just your ordinary game, however. It's a Big Ten conference game being played in Dublin, Ireland. The NCAA is just trying to grow the game and put together this exciting matchup. Look, these two teams won't be the best teams in the Big Ten this season. But it's still an exciting opening day matchup for college football fans around the world. Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Northwestern Wildcats vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: August 27, 2022
- Game Time: 12:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Northwestern vs. Nebraska Injury Report
Northwestern
N/A
Nebraska
Out: WR DeColdest Crawford (Knee)
Northwestern vs. Nebraska Line Movement
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction
Following a 3-9 season last year, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will look to turn things around this year. Nebraska went just 1-8 in conference play and ultimately lost all of their road games. Nebraska was competitive in every game. However, the Cornhuskers struggled to close games out and lost by single digits in every single game that they lost. Last year, it was Adrian Martinez's team. The former Cornhusker quarterback is now with Kansas State. Instead, the Cornhuskers will start Casey Thompson, who is a transfer out of Texas. Nebraska has also added depth at receiver, with three new transfers that are expected to contribute. On the defensive end, Nebraska will need to make more turnovers and big plays. Like the offense, the defense also gained some reliable transfers. The defense will just need to create more turnovers and I think they're capable of that this season. On the other hand, Northwestern had a down year last season. The Wildcats finished 3-9 and also lost all five of their road games. Like Nebraska, Northwestern has something to prove this year. Both teams should be better than last season and have potential to be. Last year, Northwestern was dreadful on both ends of the football when they were supposed to be so much better than their bowl-eligible team the prior season. It's likely that former South Carolina quarterback, Ryan Hilinski will get the start for this game. He's battling Brendan Sullivan for the starting job. It's still hard to know how many plays either quarterback can connect downfield. But the reality is, that Northwestern's offense is never the heart of this team. It's the defense. Last year the defense allowed 6.15 yards per play on the defensive end. That's just not the type of brand that Northwestern usually showcases. Last year, the Wildcats only had six interceptions throughout the season. That will need to change. Three starters in the secondary are returning and should end up playing better than they did last year thanks to the experience. I think the defensive side for Northwestern step up. Therefore, I'm going to ride the under 50.5 in this one.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska Pick
- Under 50.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.