Nebraska vs Indiana NCAAF Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets: Defense Reigns Supreme in Bloomington

The Indiana Hoosiers will put their undefeated record on the line when they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a Big Ten conference matchup at Memorial Stadium. 

I’m expecting both defenses to show up big in this one, which is why I’m targeting the Under in my Nebraska vs. Indiana predictions this weekend.

Read on to learn why I’m predicting a low-scoring game in my free college football picks for Saturday, October 19. 

Nebraska vs Indiana prediction and best bet

My best bet
Under 50.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

My analysis
The Indiana Hoosiers have been absolutely tearing through its schedule so far this season. The Hoosiers are already bowl-eligible at 6-0 and have won every game by at least two touchdowns. They’ve scored 41+ points in five of those games, ranking third in the nation in offensive scoring.

Does that mean that Indiana is a juggernaut headed for the College Football Playoff? Probably not. The Hoosiers have played a fairly weak schedule, and really haven’t run into much resistance. Their toughest test so far was against the Maryland Terrapins, and that game ended in a 42-28 win for Indiana.

That will change on Saturday when the Hoosiers welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers into town. The Cornhuskers are a 5-1 team that has been among the best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 11.3 ppg to its opponents. That number might be lower if not for a horribly disappointing performance against the Illinois Fighting Illini, who stunned Nebraska in a 31-24 upset. Outside of that game, nobody has scored more than 10 points against the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska has allowed just 4.4 yards per play, and while it has been especially potent against the running game, it is also holding opposing passers to just 6.0 yards per attempt. And while it hasn’t played a highly difficult schedule either, it has faced tougher competition than Indiana. The Cornhuskers held a talented Colorado Buffaloes offense to just 10 points, for instance, limiting Colorado to just 260 yards of total offense. 

I’m not suggesting that Nebraska can entirely shut down Indiana, but this will be a far better defense than anything the Hoosiers have played yet this year. Thankfully for the Hoosiers, they can play more than enough defense to give themselves a good chance of getting a home win. 

While we’ve focused on its offense, Indiana’s defense has been excellent as well, holding its opponents to just 14.8 ppg. While the Hoosiers aren’t as impressive defensively as Nebraska, they won’t have to be, as the Cornhuskers have only averaged 28.0 ppg, and will likely struggle to move the ball against an Indiana defense that is seventh in the country in total yardage defense, allowing just 255.7 yards per game.

Neither team should be particularly explosive in this one, meaning this will look more like a typical Nebraska game this season than one of Indiana’s shootouts. I’m taking the Under.

Nebraska vs Indiana same-game parlay (SGP)

Under 50.5

Indiana -6.5

+260 at BetMGM

While I think both defenses will have their moments on Saturday, the Hoosiers have the better chance of breaking through to score thanks to an offense that is averaging an impressive 47.5 ppg. Senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation this year and should be able to guide Indiana to another win this weekend. 

That’s why I’m pairing the Under with a bet on Indiana to cover the spread. This game rates out as one where the Hoosiers should be favored by about a touchdown, but we can get on the better side of that line. As long as you can give less than seven points, I’d parlay the Hoosiers with the Under for a solid SGP.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Nebraska vs Indiana odds

Nebraska vs Indiana live odds

Nebraska vs Indiana opening odds

• Nebraska vs. Indiana spread: Indiana -6.5
• Nebraska vs. Indiana moneyline: Nebraska +188, Indiana -229
• Nebraska vs. Indiana Over/Under: 50.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Nebraska vs Indiana spread and Over/Under analysis

• Both teams have performed well against the spread this season, with Nebraska going 4-1-1 ATS, while Indiana has posted a 5-1 ATS record.
• The Cornhuskers are 2-1 ATS in their last three meetings with the Hoosiers. 
• The Over has a 5-1 record in Indiana’s games this year, with the Under has the same 5-1 advantage when Nebraska has played.
• The Hoosiers are playing to an average total of 62.8 ppg this season, while the Cornhuskers are averaging a total of 39.3 points. 

Nebraska vs Indiana betting trend to know

Nebraska has played to a total of Under 50 points in five of its six games this season. Find more college football betting trends for Nebraska vs Indiana.

Nebraska vs Indiana game info

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Nebraska vs Indiana weather

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