Nebraska football vs. Purdue: Odds, prediction and how to watch

Following an overtime loss to Illinois that knocked Nebraska football out of the top 25, the Huskers turned their attention toward Purdue on Monday as head coach Matt Rhule met with the media.

Rhule said that the Nebraska football team is a team of “winners.” He said he just needs to teach them “how to win” and that it’s his job. The Huskers certainly still looked like a team that needs to learn how to win, especially in close games.

Nebraska football pummeled Colorado. But they still haven’t gotten that close-game monkey off their back this season. Who knows, maybe Saturday will provide that chance. The Huskers play at 1-2 Purdue in the Big Ten opener for the Boilermakers and here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, and a prediction against the spread.

Nebraska football vs. Purdue odds

According to DraftKings, the Huskers are a 10-point favorite over Purdue. The over/under is 49 and the moneyline for Nebraska is -410, while it’s +320 for Purdue.

Nebraska fooball vs. Purdue how to watch

Kickoff: 11:00 CST

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)

TV: Peacock (Streaming only)

Radio: Huskers.com

Streaming: Peacock

Nebraska football vs. Purdue prediction

Purdue has suffered two lopsided defeats in a row. First, a 66-7 loss to Notre Dame at home two weeks ago, before dropping the last game 31-13 in Corvallis against Oregon State.

Hudson Card is the quarterback once again. He’s got six touchdowns compared to three interceptions and completing 63 percent of his passes but he didn’t look great last week.

Devin Mockobee, a name Nebraska football fans will remember, has been the starting back this season and tearing it up with 36 carries for 276 yards. He only had nine attempts for 19 yards against Notre Dame but had 16 carries for 168 yards in the loss to Oregon State.

Purdue also had eight sacks in three games, so pass protection is a concern for the Huskers, along with their run defense, which allowed 166 yards to Illinois and over 100 to Northern Iowa. Yet, Purdue doesn’t have an interception and hasn’t forced a single takeaway.

That actually worries me a little — what if they are due? Sometimes, turnovers come in bunches and Ryan Walters is a really good defensive back, especially defensive backs. It worries me that he’ll be back to trick Dylan Raiola.

Winning on the road in the Big Ten is never easy. I believe Nebraska will lead most of the way and this time won’t fall victim to a comeback, even if they don’t cover the spread due to a garbage time TD.

Prediction: Nebraska 27, Purdue 20.  

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