5 predictions for Nebraska football against Iowa

The last time Nebraska football went to Kinnick Stadium, it left with a win. On Friday, the Huskers will try to have history repeat itself under the lights.

In this new Big Ten, Nebraska football and Iowa will kick off at 6:30 PM CST. It’s going to be cold and intense.

Nebraska football doesn’t need a win (thankfully) to reach a bowl game. That would be a scary proposition. But they have already clinched a bowl berth. Now, the Huskers are playing with house money as they try to clinch their first winning season since 2016, and move up the Big Ten bowl pecking order.

A win in this game could send Nebraska to Tampa for the Reliaquest Bowl (formerly Outback Bowl). But what really matters is getting a win over the border-state rival and here are five predictions.

Nebraska football holds Kaleb under 100

Kaleb Johnson is Iowa’s best offensive player by far. The Hawkeyes do some interesting things in the run game and Tim Lester brought over some concepts from the Green Bay Packers where he was an analyst last season.

Kaleb Johnson leads the Big Ten in rushing and the Hawkeyes are 5-0 in Big Ten games when he runs for over 100 yards. Nebraska allowed over 100 to Wisconsin last week and more than five yards per carry.

Yet, they held Ohio State to 64 yards. Nebraska football can do it and the Hawkeyes don’t have the threat of a passing game that Wisconsin does. Jackson Stratton is a former walk-on. He’s been fine but Iowa averages 133 yards per game and has two receivers with over 200 yards.

Nebraska needs to sell out to stop the run and I think they’ll keep Johnson under 100.

Dylan Raiola accounts for multiple TDs

Call me crazy, but I’m pretty confident about Dylan Raiola tonight. I know facing a Phil Parker defense with 16 interceptions isn’t going to be easy. Parker’s team knows how to disguise looks and mix up coverages.

Dana Holgorsen is also familiar with it and he should have the young quarterback ready. A solid running game will help, but the most important thing for Raiola is to take care of the ball.

If he doesn’t throw an interception, Nebraka will have a good shot to win. However, I think he’ll toss a touchdown pass and maybe run for another. That’s my bold prediction for the week as I’m wondering if Raiola will catch Iowa off guard in the red zone and scamper in for a touchdown.

Emmett Johnson has 100 total yards

Emmett Johnson has been dynamic the past couple of weeks. He scored a touchdown that covered 30-some yards against USC and nearly had 200 yards from scrimmage last week against Wisconsin.

Whether it was as a runner or a receiver, Johnson has created multiple explosive plays since Holgorsen started calling plays.

Iowa has a solid run defense but they allow more yards per attempt than Nebraska (3.8). Holgorsen has allowed Johnson to get into rhythm and for a dude with an air-raid background, he did a great job of sticking to the run last week.

I don’t think Johnson will get 100 on the ground, but between rushing and receiving, he’ll crack the century mark.

Nash and Ty have a day

Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher will be playing in their final games against Iowa. They have each beaten the Hawkeyes before but I just have a feeling they are going to be extremely motivated.

Robinson has had some epic games this year too. He was incredible against Ohio State. Nash too and others. There will need more than two defensive lineman to have good days.

But Nash and Ty will set the tone. Nebraska will stop the run and the Blackshirts will hold Iowa under 20 points.

Jacory Barney hits a home run

Barney’s role has increased since Holgorsen came on board. He has set the Nebraska football freshman record for receptions and I just have a feeling the Huskers will find a way to hit him for a big play.

Whether it’s play action or a trick play, Barney is the most explosive weapon on this offense and I believe he’ll deliver a 40-yard plus play against Iowa.

Prediction: Nebraska 24, Iowa 17 

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