Nebraska vs Ohio State Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets: Points Will Be Rare for Raiola & Co.

The Nebraska offense has looked stilted of late, and things won't get easier for Matt Rhule's men when they visit Ohio State. Their struggles should lead the way to an easy Under.

Rob Paul - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Rob Paul • Betting Analyst
Oct 26, 2024 • 09:13 ET • 4 min read
Information icon

This article contains predictions for an old game!

Latest NCAAF Picks
Quinshon Judkins Ohio State Buckeyes college football
Photo By - Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes were last seen losing to Oregon by just one point, while the Nebraska Cornhuskers scored just seven points in a loss to Indiana their last time out. Now these Big Ten teams will try to put things back together when they clash at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, with kickoff set for noon E.T. in the FOX Big Noon game.

With both programs letting their hard-nosed defenses lead the way, my Nebraska vs. Ohio State predictions expect points to be hard to come by, making the Under one of my favorite college football picks for today.

Nebraska vs Ohio State prediction and best bet

My best bet
Under 48.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

My analysis

Taking this Under has far more to do with the way the Nebraska Cornhuskers offense matches up with the Ohio State Buckeyes defense than anything else.

While true freshman Dylan Raiola has had some flashy moments in his effort to be the next Patrick Mahomes, he’s far better at copying Mahomes’ mannerisms than in his actual play on the field.

The Cornhuskers offense is just 86th in SP+ this season and 89th in points per game (25.0). Scoring has also been far harder for this team since Big Ten play began.

In four conference games, Nebraska is averaging just 18.2 points per game, including scoring 21 total points in its last two outings against Rutgers and Indiana. 

While both of those defenses are talented – 33rd and 22nd in SP+, respectively – Ohio State is a completely different proposition for this offense. The Buckeyes are the No. 1 defense in SP+ and are allowing the third-fewest points per game in the country (11.0).

Nebraska is also a 25.5-point underdog, so it’s fair to assume the Cornhuskers will be playing from behind for a fair amount of the game. That will put even more pressure on Raiola, who has gone four straight games without making a big-time throw, per PFF.

Raiola has finished with an adjusted completion rate below 67% in two straight games while throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns. It won’t get any easier against an Ohio State defense that’s third in EPA per dropback.

While I expect the Buckeyes defense to do the vast majority of the work for this Under to hit, Nebraska will have to keep Ohio State contained to some degree. And I think the Cornhuskers will be capable.

Nebraska is seventh in SP+ on defense and allowing the 18th-fewest yards per game in the country (304.3). Matt Rhule’s team is only giving up 17.7 points per game this season, which ranks Top 20 nationally.

Ohio State will also be without left tackle Josh Simmons, a potential first-round pick. That will make it much harder for the Buckeyes to score at a high-clip against a defense that’s Top 30 in EPA per rush and dropback.

I’m expecting Ohio State to win 31-13, which would cash this Under.

Nebraska vs Ohio State same-game parlay (SGP)

Under 48.5

Quinshon Judkins anytime TD

Will Howard Over 199.5 passing yards

Even though I’m backing the Under, I expect Quinshon Judkins to find the end zone. He's scored six touchdowns this season, including at least one in four of six games.

Judkins leads the team in touches (78), and rightfully so, with him racking up 235 yards after contact and forcing 20 missed tackles this season. That physical running style should come in handy in the red zone.

But he won’t be the only transfer thriving for Ohio State. Will Howard has been a steady hand under center, and he’s averaging 262.3 passing yards per game this season.

So clearing 199.5 should be easy for the senior. He’s thrown for at least 209 yards in all six games this season. 

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

Best Nebraska vs Ohio State bonus

Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM

Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!

Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.

Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Nebraska vs Ohio State odds

Nebraska vs Ohio State live odds

Nebraska vs Ohio State opening odds

  • Nebraska vs. Ohio State spread: Ohio State -23.5
  • Nebraska vs. Ohio State moneyline: Nebraska +1,500, Ohio State -5,000
  • Nebraska vs. Ohio State Over/Under: 48.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Nebraska vs Ohio State spread and Over/Under analysis

  • Ohio State opened between a 23.5 and 24.5-point favorite with the line moving further in the Buckeyes direction to -25.5.
  • The Cornhuskers are 4-2-1 ATS this season while Ohio State is 3-3.
  • The Over/Under opened between 48.5 and 49 with the game total seeing minimal movement.
  • The Buckeyes are 4-2 betting the Over this season, but Nebraska is just 2-5.

Nebraska vs Ohio State betting trend to know

 Will Howard has cleared 199.5 passing yards in every game this season. Find more college football betting trends for Nebraska vs Ohio State.

Nebraska vs Ohio State game info

Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Date: Saturday, 10-26-2024
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX

Nebraska vs Ohio State latest injuries

Nebraska vs Ohio State weather

Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

Pages related to this topic

Rob Paul - Contributor at Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Rob has contributed to various sports media outlets since 2018, including FanSided and Pro Football Network, but Covers is the first site he’s worked at that is dedicated solely to the sports betting industry. Before working in sports media full-time, he spent five years as a local community journalist after attending Durham College for journalism and Wilfrid Laurier University for history.

He’s long been involved in sports in one way or another, previously hosting a podcast focused on the NFL draft and college football. Working as a freelance podcast producer, Rob has appeared on numerous sports podcasts and college football shows. He's also been a guest on SportsTalk Mississippi, discussing the NFL draft.

One of his favorite things about the sports betting industry is the way it helps shine a light on sports that get less coverage. He’s a diehard player prop bettor who always recommends using stats and analytics to identify the best players to back before placing a bet.

Popular Content

Legal Canadian sports betting

Best Canadian betting sites Ontario sports betting
Covers 25 Years Logo Established in 1995,
Covers is the world
leader in sports
betting information.
Covers is verified safe by: Evalon Logo GPWA Logo GDPR Logo GeoTrust Logo Evalon Logo