What: #7 Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-0)
When: Saturday, October 10 at Noon
Where: Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE
How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on FOX and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.
Spread and Total: IU -7.5 | 52.5
Series History: The Hoosiers and Huskers have met 23 times on the gridiron with Indiana leading the series 11-9 (with three ties). Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, the two sides have met four times with an even split on the outcomes. Indiana thrashed Nebraska 56-7 in Bloomington during Curt Cignetti’s first season (2024).
What’s at Stake: The Indiana Hoosiers have won 21 games in a row and remain on pace to return to the College Football Playoff. Of course, things can change quickly and with Ohio State and the unstoppable force of Jeremiah Smith coming to Bloomington next week, staying in the category of the unbeaten takes on extra importance. Nebraska is unbeaten and there will be as much anticipation for this game as any in recent memory for the passionate Huskers’ fan base. Much like the Hoosiers, Nebraska has a very tough test coming up as they travel to Eugene to play the #13 Ducks with games still remaining against Ohio State and Iowa.
A Few Things to Look For
Battle in the Trenches
One of the best ways to be successful on the road is to dominate on the ground and control the lines of scrimmage. While there has been some valid concern about parts of Indiana’s attack this season, the rushing attack has been a consistent force. Against FBS competition through week five, the Indiana Hoosiers are second in the country in yards per rush (6.4 yards per carry) and seventh nationally with 241.8 rushing yards per game.
In Big Ten play, the success on the ground has really ramped up with both Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard looking dominant. Beebe Jr. had 203 yards on the ground against Northwestern as the Hoosiers ran for 271 yards total. Turbo Richard dodged a major injury against the Northwestern Wildcats and was clearly healthy against Rutgers, leading the charge with 204 yards as IU racked up 329 yards against the Scarlet Knights on Saturday night. The Hoosiers have Richard and Beebe and there is an outside chance Khobie Martin can play a role in Lincoln as he tries to return from a broken forearm.
Nebraska’s defensive front is improved and allowing only 3.3 yards per carry, good for 28th nationally. IU should feel fairly confident about finding success on the ground on Saturday though. Maryland ran for 141 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry with runs of 56, 13, 10 and 11 yards.
As we’ve come to expect from IU’s defense, they continue to be dominant against the run as well. The Hoosiers are top ten nationally in both yards per carry against (2.4) and opponent rushing yards per game (77.3). The Cornhuskers have a mobile quarterback that just ran for more than 100 yards against Maryland so Indiana will have to do a better job corralling Anthony Colandrea than it did Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles. It seems very likely the Hoosiers will get pressure on Colandrea but they need to finish those plays with tackles for loss or sacks instead of allowing the mobile threat to escape the pocket and make big plays.
Finding Rhythm in the Passing Game
Can Nebraska limit the damage done by star receivers Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker? Josh Hoover is coming off his best game in Cream and Crimson. The senior was extremely sharp, throwing for 251 yards and four touchdowns after starting the game 10/10 as IU established control of the game. His two primary targets both went over 100 yards receiving and could have had much more if Indiana needed to throw it much in the second half.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a fierce pass rush and improved secondary but Chris Durr just had 149 yards on seven receptions for the Maryland Terrapins. Michigan State has no passing game weapons to speak of but the Spartans managed 218 yards through the air with three different pass catchers reaching 40 yards or more.
If Josh Hoover is given time by IU’s offensive line, there should be success for Nick Marsh, Charlie Becker and the emerging Davion Chandler. That will be particularly true if Indiana can continue to dominate on the ground and force the Nebraska defense to try and deal with a balanced attack.
Penalties and Turnovers
Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium will be filled to the brim with fired up Cornhusker fans and emotions will be high for both sides. As is expected under head coach Curt Cignetti, IU has done a fantastic job of limiting penalties and turnovers. In fact, the Hoosiers have only turned the ball over one time (and that was on special teams) through five games and they are fourth in the country in fewest penalties per game (3.8) and sixth in penalty yards per game (30.8).
The same cannot be said for Nebraska. Matt Rhule’s team is 129th nationally with 80.5 penalty yards per contest on 9.8 penalties per game (133rd). If this game is tight and those penalty yard trends hold, it could be a big advantage for the Hoosiers.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Other Game Week Links
UPDATED Injury Report for Week Six: Indiana Getting Healthier and Nebraska DL Pops Up
IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Nebraska If…
Podcast: Indiana Travels to Nebraska Preview
Joe Brunner and the Right Side of the Offensive Line Are Beginning to Feel ‘Very Comfortable’
Matchup To Watch: Indiana’s Defense vs. Nebraska QB Anthony Colandrea
Cignetti Encouraged by Trevor Gibbs’ Expanded role as Indiana Heads to Nebraska
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