As you let your Thanksgiving meal settle, enjoy a Big Ten showdown on Friday as the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2) will host the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-3) from Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff for this one is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET.
After beating Penn State 30-23 a couple of weeks ago, the Cornhuskers followed their win with a loss against Illinois last week, 41-23. In the loss, Luke McCaffrey was successful on the ground (26 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns) but struggled in the passing game (134 yards, three interceptions). Nebraska will hope for a bounce back and to get back into the win column for the second time this season on Friday.
For Iowa, they come into this matchup having won three in a row since their 21-20 loss to the No. 11 Northwestern Wildcats back at the end of October. Last week, Iowa was able to take down Penn State 41-21. In their previous three games, they have allowed an average of just under 12 points per game to opponents and will look to keep rolling Friday.
As the home team, Iowa is the favorite in this one. Their moneyline is -650 to win, while Nebraska is +440. The spread features Nebraska +13.5 while the over/under for total points is 53.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, the Iowa Hawkeyes have the edge. They currently rank 41st in the NCAA in points averaged at 33 per game. The Cornhuskers rank 106th overall averaging 20.8 points per game.
Defensively, it is once again Iowa who holds the edge. They are currently one of the best teams in football as they are allowing just 16 points per game. Nebraska has allowed 34.2 points per game to opponents.
Nebraska Looking For Upset On The Road
It has been a rough season thus far for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Once a perennial powerhouse, Nebraska currently sits in 7th in the Big Ten West. Despite the frustrating season, it would certainly be a big plus if they could upset the Hawkeyes on the road.
Leading the way under center for Nebraska is Luke McCaffrey. The quarterback has thrown for 434 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. On the ground, he also leads the way with 56 rushes for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
Through the air, wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (21 receptions, 152 yards) and tight end Austin Allen (12 receptions, 141 yards) lead the way.
Hawkeyes Look For Win Number Four
At 3-2, the Iowa Hawkeyes currently sit in third in the Big Ten West, trailing just Northwestern and Wisconsin. With every game being critical, the Hawkeyes will look to get their fourth win on Friday.
Leading the way for the Hawkeyes under center is Spencer Petras. On the season, he has thrown for 945 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions.
On the ground, Iowa has two running backs that have been lethal early on. Both Tyler Goodson (453 yards, six touchdowns) and Mekhi Sargent (309 yards, six touchdowns) have been solid.
Defensively, Iowa has been stellar this season. Their team leaders include Nick Niemann (49 tackles), Daviyon Nixon (4 sacks), and Jack Koerner (3 interceptions).
Iowa Wins And Covers
This game seems like a bit of a matchup nightmare. Iowa has one of the best defenses in college football, while Nebraska has struggled to find consistency on the offensive side. With Iowa likely able to dominate on both sides of the ball, I like them to not only win this one but to cover the 13.5 point spread as well.
