Nebraska was coming in with a -12.5 concensus line versus Northwestern for Week 1. The line opened as low as -10 back in May and has trended upwards to -13 before dropping back to -12.5. Some books still featured a spread of -13.
Gambling911.com has the Nebraska vs. Northwestern game betting odds at Cornhuskers -10.5 based primarily on last year's team ratings. That is an indication of a near 3 point overlay.
The Cornhuskers regular season total for 2022 was set at 7.5 and Northwestern at 4.
Considering Nebraska's 3–9 finish last season, this team has no business being a -13 favorite on the road against anybody. It should be noted that Nebraska also finished 3-9 Against The Spread.
Head coach Scott Frost fired all of his offensive assistants except tight ends coach Sean Beckton last season with just two games remaining on the schedule.
Northwestern also had an abysmal season, going 3-9. This team truly hit rock bottom but there are at least some signs that veteran experience through a significant number of returning players could deliver slightly better results. It can't get much worse.
We're more inclined to view this -12.5 to -13 spread as a decent sized overlay.
Nebraska's closing season power rating was 74.17, slightly below App State. Northwestern had a power ratings of 63.64.
The game is taking place in Dublin, Ireland.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
