Tonight sees the Nebraska Cornhuskers looking to guarantee their first winning season since 2016 when they take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Find out why my Nebraska vs. Iowa predictions see the defenses taking centerstage in Week 14, as I serve up my best college football picks for November 29.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, with the game airing on NBC.
Nebraska vs Iowa prediction and best bet
Who will win Nebraska vs Iowa?
The Iowa ML is sitting at -175 as of Thursday night and this game is certainly more of a toss-up than the preseason predictions would have guessed. Iowa will likely be down to its third-string quarterback and will need to rely on its defense to get this win.
Nebraska got their big win last week to become bowl-eligible and I'm not sure that will carry over into this week on the road. I ultimately lean towards Iowa winning this game thanks to its strong defense and special teams.
My best bet
Pick: Under 39.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The Nebraska Cornhuskers got a massive win last week at home against Wisconsin, prevailing 44-25. However, although that guaranteed them their first bowl game since the 2016 Music City Bowl, they now must go on the road where they have struggled this season.
While Nebraska averages just 25.1 points per game, the Cornhuskers have only mustered up 18.0 ppg on the road. Meanwhile, the Iowa Hawkeyes allow only 17.7 ppg, which ranks 12th in the country.
On the other end of the ball for each team, Iowa sits 101st in total offense and is down to their third quarterback unless we see a surprise return from Cade McNamara.
Cornhuskers backup Jackson Stratton has been very safe with the ball and completing at a solid percentage, but he is only averaging 8.0 yards per completion. He has also yet to score a touchdown in two appearances — including one start. Iowa is going to utilize its old-school style of dominating defense and special teams without turning the ball over in this contest.
Nebraska has a very good run defense, and Iowa is going to struggle to move the ball. Take the Under on Friday night at Kinnick Stadium.
Nebraska vs Iowa same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 40.5
Iowa moneyline
Dylan Raiola Over 174.5 passing yards
To add to the Under, I am going to add the Iowa moneyline. The Cornhuskers have allowed five blocked kicks and three blocked punts.
Iowa is also known for its fantastic special teams and Nebraska has had a ton of issues in that area. Field position will be largely in favor of Iowa, and that could ultimately be the difference maker.
Finally, I will take Dylan Raiola to go Over 174.5 passing yards. He is going to have to get it done through the air to stay alive in this game, and Nebraska will likely face several long fields with bad starting field position. This will give him the opportunity to hit this prop without threatening the full game total.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Nebraska vs Iowa odds
Nebraska vs Iowa live odds
Nebraska vs Iowa opening odds
- Nebraska vs. Iowa spread: Iowa -5.5
- Nebraska vs. Iowa moneyline: Nebraska +175, Iowa -210
- Nebraska vs. Iowa Over/Under: 37.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Nebraska vs Iowa spread and Over/Under analysis
- The spread opened at Iowa -5.5 and has fallen to -4 as of Thursday night.
- Iowa has won eight of the last nine games, but Nebraska has covered the spread in four of its past six.
- The total opened at 37.5 and climbed to 39.5 as of Thursday night.
- Seven of the last 10 matchups have gone Over the total, but last year's showdown cashed the Under.
- 68% of Covers Consensus users are backing Iowa on the spread, while 61% are taking the Over.
Nebraska vs Iowa betting trend to know
The Cornhuskers have only hit the game total Over in four of their last 11 games. Find more college football betting trends for Nebraska vs Iowa.
How to watch Nebraska vs Iowa game info
| Location: | Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA |
| Date: | Friday, 11-29, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBC |
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