Iowa vs. Nebraska Betting Odds
- Spread: Nebraska +4.5
- Over/Under: 44.5
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- TV: Big Ten Network
Back in August which would have been the crazier statement — Nebraska will win the Big Ten, or Nebraska will miss a bowl game?
The Cornhuskers haven't seen much progress under coach Scott Frost in his second year, but a victory over Iowa will give Nebraska a sixth win and bowl invite.
The Huskers opened as among the 10 betting favorites to win the national title. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was a Heisman favorite. They were favored to win the Big Ten West, but fell very short with a 5-6 mark so far.
Iowa meanwhile has been its steady self, going 8-3 behind an average offense and solid defense.
The Hawkeyes have owned this matchup in the last four years, going 4-0 straight-up and 3-1 against the spread. Last year was much closer, though, a 31-28 Iowa win in which Nebraska erased a late two-score lead.
Model Prediction for Iowa-Nebraska
Collin Wilson uses his power ratings to project point spreads and totals for every Week 14 game. His power ratings are available to Action EDGE members.
- Spread: Iowa -4
- Total: 53.3
Wilson: Iowa Defense Not Best Match for Nebraska
Adrian Martinez has had a bit of a rebirth over the last few weeks, culminating in a 54-7 victory on Maryland last week.
The key for Nebraska is limiting interceptions and keeping the ball off the carpet, illustrated by a rank of 125th in havoc allowed.
The Iowa defense has been the best in the nation at limiting rush explosiveness, but the Hawkeyes defenders are not getting into the backfield with a Power Success rank of 108th and Stuff Rate of 90th. A bend-don't-break style.
Iowa's rank of 116th in tackles for loss means Martinez should have plenty of space to work in the backfield.
Adrian Martinez's reaction is my favorite part of this play. pic.twitter.com/QiXvi8AdT5
— Jacob Padilla (@JacobPadilla_) November 23, 2019
Iowa's offense will continue to operate at an efficient pace against the Nebraska defense that masks quarterback blitzes while ranking top 25 against pass explosiveness.
What was that, @coach_frost?!
That's quite the picture the Nebraska coach painted. 😂 pic.twitter.com/khbbsTrAKG
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 24, 2019
Our Action Network power ratings make this game Iowa -4 against a healthy and motivated Nebraska team.
Ball protection will be key for the Cornhuskers and an Iowa rank of 80th in defensive havoc may be the biggest key to the game. As an added bonus, the place kicking for Nebraska has finally come together to the delight of Martinez.
Pick: Nebraska +5.5 or better [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]
