3 bold predictions for Nebraska football against Indiana

The one thing we know going into Saturday’s Nebraska football game against Indiana is that we will finally find out how good this team is, one way or the other.

Nebraska is 5-0 for the first time under Matt Rhule. It’s 5-0 for the first time in a decade. Yet, after some lackluster competition, fans want to see Nebraska play a College Football Playoff team before they believe this team is for real.

Do I believe Nebraska is a College Football Playoff team? No. I also don’t feel like it’s a six- or seven-win team. It should win 8-9 games and be playing in the Citrus or ReliaQuest Bowl.

That being said, the Huskers have exceeded my expectations. Anthony Colandrea, Jamal Rule, and the Blackshirts have all been better than expected. The offensive line took the jump we anticipated under Geep Wade, and special teams haven’t fallen off a cliff.

Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite. The Hoosiers haven’t played a ranked team, but this team is as good as any in college football. A victory would be monumental for the Huskers.

With that in mind, here are three bold predictions and a score prediction for Nebraska football against Indiana.

The Huskers will intercept Josh Hoover

Josh Hoover, the Indiana quarterback, isn’t Fernando Mendoza. He can’t throw people open quite like Mendoza.

That being said, it’s sort of like Curt Cignetti said this offseason: with the running game Indiana has and the defense, Hoover is just fine. He’s got 15 touchdown passes, zero interceptions, and leads the Big Ten in adjusted average yards per pass.

Hoover has just one rushing touchdown. That’s not really his game. He can do it, though.

It’s not bold to say this is the best defense he will have faced. Indiana played three cupcakes, followed by Northwestern and Rutgers. No disrespect to those teams, but Nebraska has more talent than either on defense.

Rob Aurich has Nebraska playing at a high level. The Huskers lead the Big Ten in sacks (16). Their secondary is outstanding, especially Andrew Marshall and Donovan Jones.

Hoover will take too many trips to Marshall Island. Eventually, he will get burned, and the Huskers will come away with an interception.

Nebraska gets more sacks than Indiana

The Huskers’ pass rush has 16 sacks. They had six against Michigan State. Indiana has only allowed seven sacks this season, but it’s not like they have played world-beaters on defense. Rutgers and Northwestern combined to sack Indiana three times in two games.

If Nebraska can keep the running game in check — a big if, since the Hoosiers have two running backs averaging over 100 yards per game (Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe) — that will allow the pass rush to tee off.

However, if Indiana is living in second-and-third and manageable, that will make the job much more difficult. I do think Nebraska will hold Indiana under 200 yards rushing. The Blackshirts will also get at least three sacks.

There are rumors that Tree Babalade could start at right tackle, with Gunnar Gottula bumping inside. Against a team with talented pass rushers, including the Big Ten leader in sacks and tackles for loss (Tobi Osunsanmi), that might be a good idea.

An improved offensive line will be tested for the first time, will pass the test and give up just one or two sacks, thanks in part to the magic of Anthony Colandrea.

Jacory Barney goes over 100 yards

Kwazi Gilmer is on pace to go over 1,000 yards receiving. Indiana will be determined to take him away, and it seems reasonable that the Hoosiers will be able to do that to an extent.

However, the ability of Colandrea to extend plays will lead to some explosives. Jacory Barney should be in the perfect position to take advantage of that in the slot and the middle of the field.

Like the Michigan game a year ago, he will go over 100 yards and catch a touchdown.

Score Prediction

This game will be close. Nebraska will have the chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but Indiana will make some key plays and score late to win 31-20.

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