Nebraska
vs.
Indiana
College Football Pick
10/15/16
Nebraska is undefeated, but one question we still don’t know the answer to is if the Cornhuskers are actually good. While we may still not get an answer after this Game, the Hoosiers will at least be a decent test in Bloomington, especially after taking down Michigan State last home Game.
But unlike previous versions, this Nebraska team is actually closing out Games, surprisingly leading the nation in scoring and turnover margin in the Fourth quarter. While most of that came in a 21-0 Fourth quarter against a weak Illini team, it’s still an impressive stat. That said, the Huskers should’ve never been down against Illinois in the first place and that win over Oregon doesn’t look all the great anymore.
Believe it or not, but this may be Nebraska’s hardest Game of the season to date. Maybe… Or the Hoosiers team that lost at home to Wake Forest could show up. And even in the win against Michigan State, Indiana was down 14 points before scoring their first points in the final minute of the third quarter. While they’re coming off a tough Game at Ohio State, the Hoosiers present an interesting test for the Huskers.
Funny enough these teams have never met before, with this being Nebraska’s sixth season in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers do get the advantage of having last week off with Indiana traveling to Columbus.
While the Hoosiers have been better statistically this season on the defensive side, there remains plenty of questions. But at the least, Nebraska hasn’t looked all that electric offensively this season. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. is playing well, but still hasn’t looked the greatest in two Conference Games against Northwestern and Illinois. It’s likely Nebraska will be around that 30-point total again, although will need to get some yards on the ground.
Devine Ozigbo is dealing with a sprained ankle and has just 76 rushing yards the last two Games, while Terrell Newby was the one to breakthrough against Illinois for 140 yards and a couple touchdowns. One of those guys will have to find room against an IU defense that mostly held Michigan State in check, at least more than previous years.
But to cover this Game or have a shot at winning, the Hoosiers know they can’t win solely with defense. They’ll need another good performance from first-year starting QB Richard LAgow. He threw five interceptions against Wake Forest and they lost, but then turned around and only threw one pick and they beat the Spartans.
Of course, the passing Game won’t work unless Devine Redding can churn out yards on the ground, which is something he’s been fairly successful at all season. Nebraska’s run defense hasn’t been overly great so there should be some room. The Huskers allowed 336 rushing yards to Oregon, although you can’t really compare the Ducks offense to the Hoosiers.
Nebraska is feeling good about themselves coming from a weekend off with an undefeated record, but Indiana should not be taken lightly. With an improved defense, the Hoosiers will give a real test to the Huskers, especially at home.
Our Pick – Early bettors grabbed +8 and +7 on the Hoosiers. That now flips the value to the Nebraska side. At anything less than a TD, we’ll take Nebraska minus the spot to remain undefeated. Nebraska -6.5