Minnesota at Nebraska: 12/12/20 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-4) vs Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-3)
Game Info: Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 12:00 pm (Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: Nebraska Cornhuskers -9 -- Over/Under: 59.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Minnesota Golden Gophers will travel to Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE) to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers this Saturday in College Football action.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers had their 2nd straight game cancelled (Wisconsin, Northwestern) due to Covid-19 and come into this game with an overall record of 2-3 after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers, 34-31, on November 20th. Minnesota took a 34-24 lead early in the 4th quarter on Mohamed Ibrahim’s 3rd TD of the day and was able to hold on late in part of a controversial pass inference call that cost Purdue a go-ahead TD. Minnesota was outgained by Purdue by a 492-394 margin, however, did not commit a turnover in the loss. Leading the way for the Golden Gophers was Mohamed Ibrahim who had 102 rushing yards & 3 TD’s on 25 carries.
On the season, Minnesota is averaging 30.0 ppg on 4048 total yards per game (206.6 passing yds/g; 198.2 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Minnesota has been led by Mohamed Ibrahim who has 817 yards & 13 TD’s on 155 carries. QB Tanner Morgan has completed 59.4% of his passes for 1,033 yards, 4 TD, & 4 INT. The top receiving threats for the Golden Gophers have been Rashod Bateman (36 rec, 472 yards, 2 TD), Chris Autman-Bell (14 rec, 315 yards, TD), and Daniel Jackson (5 rec, 57 yards). Rashod Bateman will not be available as he has decided to opt out and focus on the NFL draft.
Defensively, Minnesota is allowing their opponents to average 34.8 ppg on 456.2 total yards per game (240.6 passing yds/g; 215.6 rushing yds/g).
The Nebraska Cornhuskers snapped a 2-game losing streak and improved to 2-4 on the season after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers, 37-27, this past Saturday. Nebraska was outstanding on the offensive end against Purdue and was able to hold on for the victory after taking a 34-13 lead on an Adrian Martinez 1-yard TD run with 10:05 left in the 3rd quarter. Nebraska outgained Purdue by a 364-332 margin and didn’t commit a turnover in the victory. Leading the way for the Cornhuskers was QB Adrian Martinez who completed 23 of 30 passes for 242 yards & 1 TD while also adding 45 yards & 2 TD’s on the ground.
On the season, Nebraska is averaging 23.7 ppg on 367.3 total yards per game (192.5 passing yds/g; 174.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Nebraska has been led by their duel QB threats Adrian Martinez (70.8 Comp %, 689 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; 53 att, 268 yards, 4 TD) and Luke McCaffrey (70.8 Comp %, 689 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT; 65 att, 364 yards, 3 TD). In the backfield for the Cornhuskers has been RB Dedrick Milles (47 att, 155 yards, 3 TD). The top receiving threats for the Cornhuskers have been Wan’Dale Robinson (39 rec, 341 yards; 31 att, 167 yards), Austin Allen (15 rec, 206 yards), Zavier Betts (11 rec, 131 yards, TD), and Levi Falck (12 rec, 107 yards, TD).
Defensively, Nebraska is allowing their opponents to average 31.7 ppg on 408.8 total yards per game (238.8 passing yds/g; 170.0 rushing yds/g).
The Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December and 5-2-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Cornhuskers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win, however, are 7-19-2 ATS in their last 28 home games.
It’s been a lost season for Minnesota and it’s not going to get any better with their best WR threat Rashod Bateman deciding to sit out for the rest of the season. Nebraska has been competitive during their last two games and as I think their offense should have not problem putting up points against Minnesota’s 100th ranked scoring defense, I’m taking Nebraska to cover this large home spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Nebraska Cornhuskers -9
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
