Nebraska vs Minnesota Prediction & Picks: Expect Fireworks in Minneapolis
Written by: Devon Platana
Last Update: Thu Aug 31, 2023, 10:49 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
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The 2023 NCAA Football season is officially underway. One of the biggest opening-week matchups features a classic rivalry when the Nebraska Cornhuskers pay a visit to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Thursday, Aug. 31.
The two Big Ten rivals most recently met last November, resulting in a 20-13 victory for Minnesota at Memorial Stadium at Tom Osborne Field. Can the Golden Gophers recreate history? Or will the Cornhuskers turn the rivalry in their favor?
This Nebraska vs Minnesota betting preview helps shed some light on tonight's action. Keep reading for the latest betting odds, as well as a prediction and picks for the Big Ten matchup.
Nebraska vs Minnesota Tonight (Aug. 31)
NEB vs. MINN Game Information
- Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
- Venue & Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
- Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023
- Game Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- Where to Watch Nebraska vs Minnesota: FOX
Nebraska vs Minnesota Odds
Game odds courtesy of Bovada as of Thursday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. ET from. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Spread
- Nebraska Cornhuskers +7 (-110)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers -7 (-110)
Over/Under
- Over 43 Points (-110)
- Under 43 Points (-110)
Moneyline
- Nebraska Cornhuskers +230
- Minnesota Golden Gophers -280
Nebraska vs Minnesota Betting Trends
- Nebraska is 1-5 straight up in its last six games against Minnesota.
- Minnesota is 10-0 straight up in its last 10 games played in August.
- Nebraska is 4-2 ATS in its last six games against Minnesota.
- Minnesota is 3-6 ATS in its last nine games.
- The under is 4-1 in Nebraska's last five games.
- The over is 4-1 in the last five Nebraska-Minnesota matchups at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Nebraska vs Minnesota Matchup Preview
There was a time when Nebraska dominated this rivalry with ease, winning 16 consecutive matchups against Minnesota from 1963 unit 2012.
However, that isn't the case anymore.
The Golden Gophers have taken control of this rivalry, going 7-3 in the last 10 meetings between these Big Ten schools. That impressive record also includes four consecutive victories heading into tonight's game that saw Minnesota outscore Nebraska by an average of 12 points.
The Cornhuskers looked like they were going to end that streak last season, getting off to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Unfortunately, they wouldn't score again until the fourth quarter as the Golden Gophers rattled off 20 straight points to take the game.
Minnesota's chances of success could depend on Athan Kaliakmanis' performance under center. The sophomore is now the No. 1 quarterback after Tanner Morgan moved on to the NFL. Kaliakmanis played to mixed results last fall, completing just 54.1% of his passes for 946 yards with three touchdowns to two interceptions.
Considering how the Golden Gophers averaged the 13th-fewest passing yards in the FCS last year, stronger play from Kaliakmanis wouldn't hurt.
At the same time, I expect Minnesota to lead on a run game that averaged 200.0 rushing yards (No. 19). Nebraska was below average at preventing the run, surrendering 190.4 rushing yards per contest (No. 105) and even gave up 125 yards and two TDs on the ground when these rivals last met.
While it's a new year, the Cornhuskers have a lot to prove after finishing second-last in the Big Ten. Considering how they played to a minus-7.4 average scoring margin (No. 98) whereas the Golden Gophers sat at plus-11.3 (No. 15), I wouldn't hold my breath.
Nebraska vs Minnesota Prediction and Picks
Nebraska vs Minnesota Prediction: Minnesota 31, Nebraska 21
Nebraska vs Minnesota Picks: Minnesota -7 (Best Value: -110 on Bovada ) & Over 43 Total Points (-110 on Bovada)
After how poorly Nebraska played in 2022, I see Minnesota opening the new NCAA season with a victory. The Golden Gophers have an elite run game that will take advantage of a Cornhuskers squad that was beaten on the ground a lot last year.
I also recommend taking the over on the 43-point total. After all, the last six Nebraska vs Minnesota matchups at Huntington Bank Stadium saw an average of 59 points scored, finishing with more than 43 in all but one of those tilts.
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Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
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