3 bold predictions for Nebraska football vs. Cincinnati (plus a pick against the spread)

After a wait that feels like forever, Nebraska football returns on Thursday night.

The Huskers, who are receiving votes in both the Coaches and AP Polls, will take on Cincinnati, a team that finished 5-7 a year ago and is hungry to get back to the postseason.

Scott Satterfield finds himself on the hot seat. Matt Rhule isn’t. He’s got Nebraska headed in the right direction, but could find himself in some hot water if the Huskers are upset at Arrowhead Stadium, in what the Nebraska football head coach said was basically a home game.

Earlier this week, we looked at some things to know for this season-opening matchup, as well as the keys to a Nebraska victory. With all that in mind, here are three bold predictions, plus a pick against the spread.

Dylan Raiola throws for 300 yards

Last season, the true freshman nearly hit the 300-yard mark twice. Raiola passed for 293 yards in a win over Wisconsin in November, as well as a 297-yard effort against Illinois. The Bearcats allowed 228 passing yards per game last season and allowed 30 points or more six times.

The offensive line still has some questions at offensive tackle — we don’t even know the starters are going to be, but the depth is legit. The Cincinnati pass rush isn’t a huge concern, outside of the interior.

That’s where Nebraska’s offensive line is the strongest. The wide receivers will prove to be a mismatch, and Raiola will hit 300 yards for the first time in his college career.

Sorsby has a big day marred by turnovers

Cincinnati has a damn good offense. Tawnee Walker and Evan Pryor are dangerous running backs, especially Pryor, who had four touchdowns that covered at least 50 yards last season.

Those guys aren’t even Cincinnati’s best offensive players. That’s quarterback Brendan Sorsby or tight end Joe Royer, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end, who caught 50 passes last season and is potentially a first-round pick.

The offensive line isn’t bad either. Joe Cotton, the left tackle, was one of the top players in the portal, along with some experienced starters.

All that to say that the Bearcats are going to score some points. Sorsby could have over 300 total yards, but thanks to some red-zone stops and a couple of takeaways, the Blackshirts will get the best of the Cincinnati signal-caller.

Special teams deliver for Nebraska

The kicking game has been an adventure for Nebraska football. Mike Ekeler was hired to fix it, and he will. The Huskers will have a return — kickoff or punt — go for 30 yards or more. Cincinnati didn’t have any of those last season, and the Bearcats won’t start Thursday.

Archie Wilson’s debut will go well. The return team will make a play, the coverage will be good, and Kyle Cunanan will make all of his kicks, including a field goal. There won’t be a bad snap either as Nebraska wins by double digits.

Final score: Nebraska 31 (-6.5), Cincinnati 20

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