Specifically, on Saturday, Matt Rhule will open his second season as head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Big Red has a home game against the lightly regarded and rebuilding UTEP Miners. Rhule and Nebraska won rave College Football Betting reviews in the offseason. And there were some substantive reasons. Coveted 5-star QB recruit Dyland Raiola was flipped from the Georgia Bulldogs. Additionally, recruiting went well, with elevated results. And there is plenty of experience returning to the lineup. Still, Nebraska has proven nothing. Now is the time against a UTEP team that the Big Red should handle.
UTEP Miners vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTEP | +27½ -110 | 48½ -110 | +1500 |  |
| Nebraska | -27½ -110 | 48½ -110 | -3500 | |
| ||||
At the onset, there was considerable betting on college football excitement for this game. Nebraska may have won the offseason national championship, but now the rubber meets the road. UTEP offers a real game and the necessity to make a statement.
UTEP Miners Team Overview
Certainly, UTEP has one of the best fan bases among Group of 5 programs. Thus, the Miners are a great match for new head coach Scotty Walden’s energy. However, when you’re replacing your starting QB, your best running back, and your best defensive player, instant success isn’t realistic. Miner fans may have to strap in for a longer rebuild before they get back to consistent postseason contention.
There’s been an online betting roster overhaul in El Paso. Former FCS Austin Peay head coach Scotty Walden took over the Miners this offseason. In turn, he is bringing 11 transfers from his old team. Including nine of them on offense. Also, he has 47 new players in all. One of those transfers is quarterback Skyler Locklear. Despite limited game experience, he is a candidate for the starting job. The other candidate is redshirt junior Cade McConnell, who played in seven games for UTEP last season.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Overview
Previously, Matt Rhule’s teams saw quick improvement after his first year on the job. However, gamblers believe he is on a faster pace at Nebraska. Also, the schedule seems favorable for momentum and bowl eligibility. Nebraska’s last bowl trip was in 2016. But that is a drought that should end in 2024. The biggest offseason news was 5-star quarterback Dylan Raiola’s decision to withdraw his Georgia commitment and sign with Nebraska. Consider that Raiola is the son of former Husker All-America center Dominic Raiola. Also, he is the nephew of Husker offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. Indeed, there is now offensive optimism after a disappointing season.
Namely, Jahmal Banks and Malachi Coleman are among the receivers who must step up if the passing game is to thrive. Also, tight ends, including Thomas Fidone II, are in the receiving mix. Last season, Quarterback Heinrich Haarberg was the leading rusher. That will change, with more emphasis on passing and a healthy Gabe Ervin Jr. leading the running backs. The line has experience.
Expect this season’s defense to be as good as or better than a good 2023 unit. Yet another offseason “win” for Nebraska was the retention of defensive coordinator Tony White, reportedly a candidate for UCLA’s head-coaching job in February. Most important of all, White’s stated goal is to be the No. 1 defense nationally.
UTEP at Nebraska SBG Free Picks
Nebraska should win this College Football Betting matchup. However, as an overlay price, expectations are too high for an unproven team.
UTEP at Nebraska SBG Best Bet: UTEP Miners.