Nebraska football vs. Northern Iowa: Odds, prediction & how to watch

For the first time in five years, Nebraska football will play a game as a ranked team. The 23rd-ranked Huskers in the AP poll will host another ranked team, from the FCS in Northern Iowa.

Northern Iowa is ranked 21st in the FCS Coaches poll after a 2-0 start. The Panthers have long had a solid FCS program and they will be looking to make a competitive game out of things in Lincoln.

This matchup will pit strength against strength as the Panthers average 298 yards per game on the ground and seven yards per attempt. Nebraska football has allowed 36 yards per game and just 1.6 yards per attempt through two games.

However, I fully expect the Panthers to challenge Nebraka’s run defense more than Colorado. Tye Edwards is averaging 155 yards per game and more than 10 yards per attempt.

Yet, the Blackshirts should be up to the challenge and if they can slow the Northern Iowa running game, it will be a long day for the Panthers offense. A lot of teams will have long days on offense against the Huskers and here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, and a prediction for Nebraska vs. Northern Iowa.

Nebraska football vs. Northern Iowa odds

According to FanDuel, Nebraska is a 34.5-point favorite against Northern Iowa on Saturday night. The over/over is 50.5 points while the money line is +7000 for the Panthers.

Nebraska fooball vs. Northern Iowa how to watch

Kickoff: 6:30 CST

Where: Lincoln Memorial Stadium

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: Huskers.com

Streaming: Fox Sports APP/FUBO TV

Nebraska vs. Northern Iowa prediction

The Panthers won their first game by 28 points but won by just seven last week. They are a stout defensive team but they haven’t faced a quarterback like Dylan Raiola or a running game like Nebraska’s.

Matt Rhule was really critical of the offense, outside of Raiola on Tuesday. He said some of the veterans need to have the same level of “intensity” as the quarterback.

That’s telling. The wide receivers do need to step it up though. They need to make more plays for their quarterback and do a better job of getting open and blocking.

Nebraska shouldn’t have been held under 30 points by Colorado and I don’t think they will this week. On the same note, I don’t see Northern Iowa finding much success on the ground.

They will probably get over 100 yards for the game because Nebraska will get some backups in the game like they did against UTEP, but this won’t be competitive in the second half, at least if Nebraska takes care of business.

Still, a 34-point is a 34-point spread, and with all of the running I expect in this game, I’m not sure the Huskers score enough to cover, but they win outright.

Prediction: Nebraska 41, Northern Iowa 10 

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