* 2019 Game 8 "Expert" Picks: Indiana At Nebraska *

Saunders · October 24, 2019

2019 Game 8 “Expert” Picks: Indiana @ Nebraska

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CollegeFootballNews.com

https://collegefootballnews.com/2019/10/nebraska-vs-indiana-fearless-prediction-game-preview

Why Nebraska Will Win

This team really, really, really needed a bit of a break. It got whacked by Ohio State, then struggled way too much against an awful Northwestern team, and then didn’t make the trip to Minneapolis against Minnesota. Even with the problems, the Huskers have a shot to make a run at the Big Ten West title. They’re not playing like it, but they get Wisconsin and Iowa at home, Minnesota has a slew of tough games to play, and … Just beat Indiana, first, and getting two weeks off to recharge should do wonders, starting with giving QB Adrian Martinez time to get past his minor knee injury. He’s still to a 100% sure thing to be a full go, but he’s apparently looking just fine. The hope is that the time off also sharpens the team up. Turnovers have been one of the biggest issues, but Indiana’s defense doesn’t take the ball away. Start with the lack of big mistakes – that’s the hope – and expect the team to look the part again overall at home.

Why Indiana Will Win

The Hoosier offensive line is quietly putting together a fantastic season. Forget the overall rushing numbers, it’s an effective ground game that’s been even better and stronger over the last few weeks. Granted, playing Rutgers helps everything, and running on Maryland isn’t that big a deal, but the Hoosiers are averaging over six yards per carry over the last two games, and Nebraska’s run defense has allowed over 300 yards in two of its last three games. The Hoosiers will try to get the air show going early on after a month of sharp performances. Whether it’s Michael Penix – who’s been a bit banged up – or Peyton Ramsey, everything is clicking with 250 passing yards or more in each of the last four games with 11 touchdowns. Nebraska has to be ready for more of a shootout than normal, and at least over the last three games – 27 points in those three – it hasn’t had the O to do it.

What’s Going To Happen

The Huskers should look and play a bit recharged, and it’s not going to matter. The Indiana O line is playing too well, the skill parts have found their collective groove over the last few weeks of dates against easy defenses – Michigan State’s aside – and this is going to be a bit of an up-and-down fight. Is Indiana really ready to win a game like this on the road? If Nebraska’s run defense and overall offense aren’t night-and-day stronger after the break, yes.

Indiana 34 - Nebraska 30

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ESPN FPI

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401112164

Indiana - 52% Win

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DRatings

https://www.dratings.com/predictor/ncaa-football-predictions/

Nebraska 29.39 - Indiana 29.35

Nebraska - 50.2% Win

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FOX Sports