Indiana vs Nebraska Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

· Sep 29 - 5 minutes read

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are searching for their next head coach. Meanwhile, interim coach Mickey Joseph will try to win his first game against the Indiana Hoosiers.

The team has had two weeks to prepare to face an Indiana team that’s been fairly competitive this season, winning three of their first four games.

Quarterback Casey Thompson #11 | Steven branscombe/getty images/afp

Can the Huskers win (and cover) on the college football odds, or is Indiana the choice?

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana lost last week to the Cincinnati Bearcats, 45-24, as the Hoosiers’ defense couldn’t hold down the offense of Cincy. Indiana doesn’t have the offensive firepower to match anyone in a shootout, hence that final score.

One of the more revealing aspects of the early part of 2022 was IU quarterback Connor Bazelak arriving via Missouri.

Missouri’s terrible this season, and Bazelak probably would’ve been a better option at Mizzou than the Tigers’ current quarterback, Brady Cook.

One wonders why Bazelak transferred out of the program, and the SEC. His situation at Indiana is not better. He doesn’t have elite wide receivers who can get behind opposing secondaries, thus no quick-strike threat is needed in the Big Ten.

A weak Nebraska defense might give Bazelak a rare opportunity to exploit a below-average secondary, finding some big plays in the passing game.

When Indiana Hoosiers goes up against tougher opponents in the Big Ten, it’s difficult to see how this offense won’t cave.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Huskers lost to the archrival Oklahoma Sooners two weeks ago, 49-14. Nebraska Cornhuskers did score a quick, early touchdown, then was run out of its own ‘building’ by OU.

Some who bet online thought they were a good value play as a double-digit (10½-11 point) ‘dog. Nebraska flopped, having nothing to match Oklahoma’s strength or speed.

This loss became even worse in Week 4 of the college football season, even though Nebraska was idle. Former Husker quarterback Adrian Martinez engineered a Kansas State stunner against Oklahoma.

Nebraska’s former player was much better at another school, which reemphasized how poorly Martinez was coached by Scott Frost in Lincoln as a Husker. Nebraska has to start from scratch in this game.

After a week off, the Huskers need to come out of the tunnel with passion, a commitment to physical football, and attention to detail.

Nebraska hasn’t had those ingredients so far this season. With a lot of time in practice, the field should lead to improvements.

We will see if any such improvements emerge versus a vulnerable Indiana.

Indiana vs Nebraska Injury Report

Indiana receiver D.J. Matthews, receiver Jaquez Smith, tight end Ryan Miller and receiver David Baker listed as questionable. Offensive lineman Matthew Bedford is out.

Nebraska running back Ajay Allen is out. Tight end Thomas Fidone II is questionable (injured knee).