Nebraska vs. Minnesota Prediction, Game Preview

Nebraska vs. Minnesota Keys to Victory

1. Can the Cornhuskers’ Run Game Keep Rolling?
Nebraska’s rushing offense has not necessarily been a strength, as they’ve been content to rely on Raiola’s arm. This unit is much more dangerous when those components are working in tandem as they have the last two weeks. Emmett Johnson recorded a career-high 176 rushing yards against the Terrapins to go along with 260 passing yards from Raiola. Johnson also punched in three scores the week before against Michigan State to complement Raiola’s efficient performance. That balance helped the Huskers score 30-plus points in back-to-back weeks, a total that might be tough to come by against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota’s secondary is stingy, but its run defense has been gashed in Big Ten play.

2. Drake Lindsey vs. Nebraska’s Secondary
Unlike the Cornhuskers, the Golden Gophers don’t have much of a run game to lean on. Minnesota’s 3.5 yards per carry is one of the worst marks in the country, which puts a lot of pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey to move the offense up and down the field. He’s been able to do so on with some regularity, though the Buckeyes shut him down. Nebraska allows an FBS-low 118 passing yards per game, setting up Lindsey for a tough test at home. He found some success last week throwing to running back Darius Taylor, who led the team with 67 receiving yards. The Golden Gophers will have to get creative with their passing attack, considering they’ve yet to go over 100 rushing yards in conference play.

3. Special Teams
A long kick return changed the Cornhuskers’ fortunes against Maryland, and Rhule has been able to count on exceptional special teams play all season. Nebraska ranks among the top 20 nationally in punt and kick return average and holds a clear advantage over Minnesota on both fronts. That’s also one of the reasons the Huskers’ offense ranks in the top five in starting field position. However, the Golden Gophers don’t give up much in the way of kick returns and can count on a strong punting performance. Minnesota could force the Huskers to mount long drives and settle for field goals if it takes away advantageous starting field position. 

Score Prediction: Nebraska 31, Minnesota 20

The Golden Gophers’ lack of a reliable running game is a serious concern against an offense as dynamic as the Cornhuskers’. Many of the recent meetings between these teams have been slogs, but this version of Nebraska isn’t suited for a 13-10 game. Raiola will see to it that his team puts up points on the road, and Lindsey will have to match. That’s easier said than done when the Huskers can bail out to stop the pass.

ATS: Nebraska -8.5
O/U: Over 47.5