NCAAF Picks: The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off a humiliating and dispiriting loss that again puts into question their future under head coach Bo Pelini. The Minnesota Golden Gophers scored one of their biggest wins in the modern history of their program last year when they beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Since that time the Gophers have established themselves as an improving team that has joined the upper half of the Big Ten Conference.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium on Saturday with coverage on ESPN starting at noon ET. Nebraska opened as a 10 point favorite.
Blackshirts No More
Nebraska is 8-2 straight up, 6-3-1 against the spread, and 6-4 over the total after a 59-24 loss at Wisconsin in which their defense was rendered completely and totally helpless. Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon set the all-time NCAA record for rushing yards in a single game with 408 and sat out the fourth quarter. Nebraska should be past such debacles but clearly is not and have again proven to be frauds on the national level. The famed “Blackshirt” defense long ago checked out and is nowhere near returning to championship form. The Huskers rank 12th in the nation for scoring offense and 42nd for scoring defense.
Gophers Golden at Betting Window
Minnesota is 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS, and 4-6 under the total. The Gophers are coming off a 31-24 home loss to powerful Ohio State but covered as 11.5 point dogs. The Gophers rank 27th in the nation for rushing offense but 123rd for passing. Their defense ranks 28th for points allowed. Minnesota brings grit, fight, and discipline for what they lack in five star talent and recruits.
Our Pick
Minnesota has been a solid betting value in road games with a mark of seven payouts in their last 11 away matchups. The Gophers have gone over the total in just one out of their last six road games.
Nebraska has been a decent betting value at home with just eight losses against the spread in their last 20 games at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska has gone over the total in six out of their last eight home games.
Last year Minnesota scored a 34-23 home payout against Nebraska that had their fans storming the field after the game. Nebraska will be seeking revenge in this one. In their last home game against Minnesota the Huskers scored a 38-14 payout.
We’ll call for Nebraska in a home bounce-back with the motivation to get revenge in this one.
