Game-by-game predictions for Nebraska football post spring

There has been a lot of talk about win totals, over/unders and the like for Nebraska football recently. So it seemed like a perfect time for a game-by-game prediction.

They are always fun to do. Predictions tend to be folly, but my hope is they are informative. I’d love to hear others’ opinions on how Nebraska football will fare.

FanDuel set the over/under for win total at 7.5. If I weren’t superstitious, I’d bet the over, hard. Nebraska football is in a good spot to win between eight and maybe even 10 games.

Let’s take it one at a time, though, with our post-spring win-loss predictions.

Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (August 29 at Arrowhead): W 30-17

Nebraska football fans will take over Arrowhead Stadium. Dylan Raiola will shine in the same building that Patrick Mahomes plays in, and the Huskers will open the season on a positive note against the Bearcats.

Nebraska vs. Arkon (Sept 6): W 42-13 

The Huskers will finally get some revenge for the lightning game that was canceled. They will stomp the Zips and cover the spread with a 40 burger.

Nebraska vs. Houston Christian (Sept. 13): W 45-10

This should be a cakewalk. The Huskies won five games in the FCS last season and allowed more than 40 points seven different times.

Michigan at Nebraska (Sept. 20) L 20-17 

Even without Sherrone Moore, that defense could be difficult to overcome. Bryce Underwood could be, too. This Michigan team also beat Alabama during a bowl game last season, with most of the players on the defense now, plus Bryce Underwood at quarterback instead of Davis Warren.

They can win in Lincoln. It will be up to Dylan Raiola.

Michigan State at Nebraska (Oct. 4): W 27-17

The Spartans could be trouble, but it feels like they are a year away from beating Nebraska. QB play proves to be the difference in this one.

Nebraska at Maryland (Oct. 11): W 23-20 

This is the first true road game for Nebraska. It feels like a trap game. Maryland struggled last season, but should be poised to bounce back.

This game will be more difficult than some fans expect. Maryland isn’t a top-tier Big Ten team. It’s also better than last season’s 4-8 record. In the first true road game, special teams delivers.

Nebraska at Minnesota (Oct. 18): W 31-20 

Another road game that should be difficult. Winning these games back-to-back on the road would be a huge sign of progress. Nebraska just has more talent and around this time, Raiola will start to look like the game has slowed down.

Nebraska vs. Northwestern (Oct. 25): W 27-10 

The Wildcats are scrappy. They’ll keep this one competitive, but Nebraska will grind out another win at home.

Nebraska vs. USC (Nov. 1): W 34-27 

The Trojans will be better this season. I predict this will be a matchup of ranked teams, and Nebraska football will finally end the losing streak in one of the most entertaining games of the season.

Nebraska at UCLA (Nov. 8): L 24-21 

Adding Nico to the roster made the Bruins more formidable and for the second year in a row, the Huskers have a bad trip out to the West Coast.

Nebraska at Penn State (Nov. 22): L 27-20

Nebraska might be playing for its playoff life, however the Nittany Lions have national title aspirations. I don’t see the Huskers winning in Happy Valley.

Nebraska vs. Iowa (Nov.28): W 20-10 

Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola get their first win over Iowa to finish 9-3. Their playoff fate will be in the hands of the committee.