In what could be a preview of the Big 12 Championship game in December, the 5th ranked Texas Longhorns face off against the 17th ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers at 12pm EST on Saturday. Texas comes into Memorial Stadium putting up more than 40 points per game and will be looking to test the Cornhuskers defense that is keeping opponents to an average of 13.4 points.
After a slow start last week against Baylor as 27 point favorites, the Long Horns took control in the 2nd half under freshman quarterback Colt McCoy who finished the game with 6 touchdown passes in the 63-31 blow out.
Kansas State’s running game was totally shut down as the Nebraska defense held them to just 22 yards on 18 carries in the 21-3 domination as 8.5 point favorites. This was Kansas State’s first loss to Nebraska at home since 1996.
Line movement:
This game opened with Texas favored by 6.5 with a total of 51.5. The line has remained steady at 6.5, but the total has been bet up to 52. You can check out the latest line by clicking here.
Public opinion:
According to the latest update from our Betting Charts, 84% of the public is taking Texas minus the points on the road. You can check the latest numbers by clicking here.
Game factors:
Run offense vs. Run defense: They key to the game will be decided on the ground as the Texas defense who is holding opponents to under 50 yards a game will try to stop the Nebraska running game ranked #1 in the conference and #11 in the country.
USC flashback: The early season butt kicking they took from USC was mainly due to Trojan wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett. The defensive coaches from Nebraska better come out with a better formula than they used in the 28-10 loss back on September 17th as Longhorn receiver Limas Sweed is a similar type player in regards to size, speed and big play ability.
Letdown: Texas freshman QB Colt McCoy set a school record with 6 touchdown passes against Baylor on Saturday in the blowout win. Will there be a letdown after a career game last week when McCoy makes his 1st start on the road in front of loud and hostile crowd?
Texas secondary: Despite the blowout win last week over Baylor, the Texas secondary has to have the Longhorns coaching staff worried. Despite having trouble all season moving the ball on offense, Baylor tuned up the Texas defense for 300+ yards through the air. Giving up the big plays has been a weak spot for Texas all season and was evident in the 1st play from scrimmage on Saturday when the Bears tossed a 67 yard TD pass to go up 7-0.
Sportsbook Insider says:
So who will come out undefeated in conference play when the Big 12 leaders meet this weekend? Do not expect any game heroics this weekend from Texas QB Colt McCoy as he will get sacked early and often to the delight of the home crowd. Take the points and smile as we look for Nebraska to win this game outright. Despite a stingy Texas run defense, their weak secondary will allow Nebraska to open up the running game and upset the 5th ranked Longhorns.
Prediction: Nebraska 27 Texas 17
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