Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are off to a fine start this season, courtesy of a perfect run through non-conference action. Will that early success carry over into Big Ten play? A visit from #21 Michigan represents an opportunity for Nebraska to set the stage for a real run. This afternoon’s Michigan vs. Nebraska matchup is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and it will air for a national audience on CBS.
The Huskers have not opened a season with four or more consecutive wins since 2016. That year, they started 7-0 before hitting the toughest part of their schedule and losing four of their last six.
A similar extended undefeated stretch could unfold this season if Nebraska can navigate today’s tilt vs. Michigan, as they face a fairly favorable schedule from here. They have more home games than road games in conference play, and their only truly unfavorable road game is at Penn State on November 22.
Remaining Schedule for Nebraska
- Michigan (Sept. 20 – home)
- Michigan State (Oct. 4 – home)
- Maryland (Oct. 11 – away)
- Minnesota (Oct. 17 – away)
- Northwestern (Oct. 25 – home)
- USC (Nov. 1 – home)
- UCLA (Nov. 8 – away)
- Penn State (Nov. 22 – away)
- Iowa (Nov. 28 – home)
So, this is a big, big game for the Huskers, who used to win nine games in down seasons but have not hit that mark since that 2016 season.
Michigan, meanwhile, is gearing up for its second tough road test of the season. They failed the first one at Oklahoma, as Bryce Underwood struggled mightily in a 24-13 loss.
Will Underwood and the Wolverines fare much better on their foray into Lincoln? Read on for our Michigan vs. Nebraska prediction and best bets, as well as the best value odds from top online sportsbooks such as BetOnline.
Michigan vs. Nebraska Prediction and Best Bets
Michigan vs. Nebraska Prediction: Nebraska to win
The Wolverines bounced back from the loss in Norman with a 63-3 rout of Central Michigan last week. In the win, Underwood (235 passing yards, 114 rushing yards, 3 total TD) accounted for 349 of Michigan’s 616 yards, and Justice Haynes (14 carries, 104 yards, TD) ran for 100+ yards for the third straight game.
Underwood is already showing signs of his star potential, but he is still a true freshman. Being thrust into the fire immediately will come with its share of bumps and thumps. He took some at Oklahoma, going just 9 of 24 through the air.
But he was far from the only culprit. The Wolverines managed only 12 first downs and 288 total yards, while the Sooners had 22 first downs and 408 yards.
Will we see a much better performance for Underwood and Michigan vs. Nebraska? The Huskers may not be on the same level as the Sooners (yet), but will there be that much of a jump in their performance in two weeks? That is a lot to ask.
Nebraska’s toughest game to date is against a Cincinnati team that is likely bound for the lower reaches of the Big 12 this season.
But Patrick Lavon Mahomes III Dylan Raiola is off to a fine start, the Huskers are running the ball well, and transfer receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter appear to be solid portal acquisitions.
Is picking the Huskers more about believing in Nebraska or more about not believing in Michigan?
It is more of the latter, but it is also Year 3 under Matt Rhule. This is when things really came together at both Temple and Baylor. There are signs that the same will happen in Lincoln, and a win today will only affirm that further.
Michigan vs. Nebraska Best Bets
1) Nebraska ML (+105 at Everygame)
Perhaps it is fair that the Wolverines are favored since they are the ranked team. However, ESPN’s matchup predictor actually gives Nebraska (50.3%) the edge vs. Michigan (49.7%). That indicates that the Huskers should fancy their chances to pull an upset that would not at all be an upset.
There’s been some Michigan vs. Nebraska line movement with throughout the week, as the Wolverines opened at -2.5. That would have been a prime time to put in a spread or moneyline play on the Huskers if you were going to anyway. But even with some movement, this is still solid value for an underdog that will, or should at least, be confident at kickoff.
2) Dane Key (Nebraska) to score a touchdown anytime (+185 at Lucky Rebel)
Key (13 catches, 190 yards, 3 TD) had just two touchdowns in 11 games at Kentucky last season, but he has already eclipsed that number this season by connecting with Raiola for a score in each game thus far.
Can he keep the streak going? At these odds, this is a must-take, not a mistake.
3) Michigan Team Total Under 23.5 Points (-105 at Bovada)
For the Wolverines to hit the over, they will need 24+ points. That means they will need at least three touchdowns and one field goal, or two touchdowns and three field goals if one of the touchdowns is accompanied by a successful two-point conversion.
They did indeed hang 63 on Central Michigan last week, but points will be much harder to come by this week.
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