Normally college football teams like a lightweight opponent to start the season. Certainly, they do not want to open up with a league game against a difficult opponent. Especially in the increasingly tough Big Ten Conference. But TV rules and the teams will comply if the networks say to play in Ireland in Week Zero. Schools love those billion-dollar betting on College Football TV contracts. Thus, cash is king. Previously, Nebraska and Northwestern have played some tight games. And both teams are familiar foes from the Big Ten West Division.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Northwestern Wildcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 27, 2022, 12:30 P.M. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Aviva Stadium, Ireland, Dublin |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornhuskers | -13 (-110) | 51 (-110) | -500 |  |
| Wildcats | +13 (-110) | 51 (-110) | +400 | |
| ||||
Nebraska vs. Northwestern SBG Odds Overview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Northwestern Wildcats are in Ireland. However, they are not on an online betting vacation. Instead, it is the Big Ten Conference opener for each team. And one fraught with peril. Especially Nebraska head coach Scott Frost.
Despite a near-decade of futility, the Nebraska Cornhuskers remain a national brand. Millions of gamblers remember the Go Big Red glory days. By contrast, Northwestern is an academically elite school in the tony Chicago suburb of Evanston. Pro sports dominate the Windy City’s attention. Thus, the Wildcats often get lost in the noise. The Cats lack appeal as a public brand. Wise Gus often prefer the Wildcats for that very reason. Especially in Big Ten matchups against name-brand teams like Nebraska.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Overview
Nebraska hired favorite son Scott Frost as head coach in December 2017. Following Frost leading the UCF Knights to an undefeated season. Frost was the last Nebraska national championship team quarterback. But after great fanfare, Frost has failed. He begins 2022 on one of the hottest seats in the land. Now, in his fifth season, Frost must deliver a bowl.
Namely, Mark Whipple arrives from Pitt as the offensive coordinator. Last year he tutored Kenny Pickett to a seat at the Heisman Trophy presentation. Pickett became a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following four years of frustration, Frost surrendered the OC duties to Whipple.
Nebraska got a big win with new transfer quarterback Casey Thompson. Also, they brought in transfers to rebuild a defensive line, a new kicker, a new punter, and a new emphasis on kicking teams. Last year at home, Nebraska crushed Northwestern 56-7.
Northwestern Wildcats Team Overview
Last year the Northwestern Wildcats followed a season both teams would want in 2022. Northwestern won the 2020 Big Ten West title. And then defeated Auburn 35–19 in the Citrus Bowl. Northwestern finished the season ranked 10 in the AP poll. But in 2021, Northwestern lost the final six games of the season. Overall, the Cats finished 3–9, 1–8 in the Big Ten West.
Following that debacle, the offseason offered no relief. All-American safety Brandon Joseph transferred to Notre Dame. But the last time Northwestern had consecutive losing seasons was in 2013-14.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern SBG Free Picks
Last year the Huskers’ blowout win over the Wildcats was no accident. Nebraska has superior personnel. Now they have a revamped offense against a team that struggles to score. Northwestern’s offense is plodding in its best Betting on College Football seasons.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern SBG Best Bet: Nebraska Cornhuskers.