Nebraska vs. Northwestern Week 0 Betting: Brace for High-Scoring Affair in Dublin

There’s a buzz going across the United States that can only mean one thing: NCAA college football is back this weekend. The 2022 NCAAF season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 27 with Week 0 and even though there are a few matchups to look forward to, none can top the Nebraska vs. Northwestern collision at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

?Aviva Stadium pic.twitter.com/c1UJECqBWc

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) August 23, 2022

The two Big Ten rivals are hoping that the 2022 campaign turns out a lot better than the last one. Both the Cornhuskers and Wildcats finished at the bottom of the conference’s West Division with matching 1-8 Big Ten records, leaving fans looking for better results this fall.

Fortunately, both schools have a chance to do so in front of a big stage this Saturday. Here’s a look at the latest Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds from BetOnline Sportsbook, as well as a prediction for this NCAA Week 0 matchup.

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Preseason Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
• Venue & Location: Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland)
• Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022
• Game Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Nebraska vs. Northwestern Info: FOX

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Nebraska Cornhuskers -13.5 (-110)
• Northwestern Wildcats +13.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 49.5 (-110)
• Under 49.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Nebraska Cornhuskers -530
• Northwestern Wildcats +390

Nebraska Heavily Favored Over Northwestern in Week 0 Matchup

Despite the two schools finishing with identical records in 2021, the Cornhuskers are the heavy betting favorites over the Wildcats in Saturday’s Nebraska vs. Northwestern tilt.

Though the Big Ten rivals have traded victories over the years, Nebraska has won six of its last 10 outings against Northwestern. One of those victories came just last year in the form of a heavily one-sided battle.

Nebraska defeated Northwestern, 56-7, in Week 5 of the 2021 campaign. The Cornhuskers got off to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter and didn’t let off the gas, outscoring the Wildcats 35-0 over the final three frames.

Nebraska’s victory was mostly due to the program’s rushing game. The Cornhuskers tallied a mind-blowing 427 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 53 carries. Jaquez Yant had a team-high 127 rushing yards on 13 attempts, while Rahmir Johnson rushed for two touchdowns and Adrian Martinez found the end zone three times.

It’s finally here: GAME WEEK. ☘️#GoCats | @cfbireland pic.twitter.com/aFbNqRciZt

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) August 22, 2022

The Cornhuskers now have Casey Thompson under center to help balance out their passing game. The 23-year-old quarterback racked up 2,113 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 12 games for the Texas Longhorns last year, leading the Big 12 in passing TDs.

While Nebraska looks like the better team on paper, that still needs to be proved on the football field. 13.5 points is a big spread to cover, especially when you take into account that the Cornhuskers have only beaten the Wildcats by at least 14 points just once since 2015.

Northwestern has yet to announce its starting quarterback. It’s down to one of Ryan Hilinski, Brendan Sullivan and Carl Richardson, so time will tell who gets the nod.

Regardless, it’s clear that both schools could use the victory here to start their season off right. The Cornhuskers have the advantage on paper, but overseas games can be unpredictable, making Nebraska vs. Northwestern some must-watch television this weekend.

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Betting Trends

• Nebraska is 0-6 straight up in its last six games.
• Northwestern is 0-5 straight up in its last five games against Big Ten opponents.
• Nebraska is 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 games played on Saturday.
• Northwestern is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games played in August.
• The total has hit the over in five of Nebraska’s last seven games.
• The total has hit the under in two of Northwestern’s last three games against Nebraska.

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Prediction and Picks

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Prediction: Nebraska 40, Northwestern 17

Nebraska vs. Northwestern: Nebraska -13.5 (Best Value: -110 at BetOnline) & Over 49.5 Points (Best Value: -110 at BetMGM)

Even though the spread might be tough to cover, I have no issues backing Nebraska here. The Cornhuskers have the better roster and I like their ceiling for the year a bit more than that of Northwestern.

I’m also expecting the rival Big Ten schools to put on a show in front of the Irish faithful, which should result in Nebraska and Northwestern hitting the over, much like they did in their last meeting.

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