S. Alabama vs. Nebraska Prediction
No. 24 Nebraska is a big favorite at home today when it takes on South Alabama at Noon ET. Will the Cornhuskers be able to get the cover?
Game Snapshot & Odds
163 South Alabama vs. 164 Nebraska
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Noon ET – Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Nebraska is the favorite to win this game, as the Cornhuskers are getting odds of -35.5 points against South Alabama. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 66.5 points. The public betting currently has 67 percent going on Nebraska as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Nebraska looking to make statement
It was a slow start for Scott Frost in his first season at Nebraska, but the Huskers won four of their last six to build some momentum for this year. Nebraska was 4-8 last year and 3-6 in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers had a 6-5-1 record against the spread and a 7-5 record with the over.
The Nebraska offense got better as the season went on and ultimately averaged 30 points and 456.2 yards per game. Adrian Martinez had a promising freshman season at QB, throwing for 2,617 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 629 yards and eight scores. He has one of his top targets back this year in JD Spielman, who caught 66 passes for 818 yards. They will need a new starting running back, but have three starters back on the offensive line. Defensively, Nebraska allowed 31.3 points and 433.5 yards per game last season. The defense has six starters back, with most coming in the defensive front.
Jaguars a mess in 2018
South Alabama had a pretty forgettable 2018 season in Steve Campbell’s first year as coach. The Jaguars were 3-9 on the season and 2-6 in the Sun Belt. South Alabama was 5-6-1 against the spread and 9-3 with the over.
The Jaguars didn’t have much to offer on either side of the ball. The defense gave up 38.8 points and 448.7 yards per game and returns just three starters. Offensively, South Alabama averaged 24.2 points and 355.3 yards per game. The offense has six starters back this season. The Jaguars will be breaking in a new starting QB in Cephus Johnson, a sophomore. He has four starters back on the offensive line and a transfer in at left tackle. The offense will be led by Tra Minter, who rushed for 801 yards and six touchdowns in 2018.
College Football Betting Trends
Nebraska
Nebraska is just 3-11 against the spread in its last 14 home games and the Huskers have failed to cover in four straight non-conference contests.
South Alabama
The Jaguars are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 road games and 12-28-1 ATS in their last 41 games on fieldturf.
Prediction:
I think Nebraska is out to make a statement today. The Cornhuskers had some momentum from last season and Scott Frost knows he can draw some national attention if his team puts up a really big number today. Martinez is a playmaker at QB and South Alabama won’t be able to stop Nebraska consistently. The Jaguars aren’t going to be able to keep any kind of scoring pace either, so look for Nebraska to dominate in this one and put the country on notice.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Nebraska -35.5
Related: South Alabama vs. Nebraska Total Prediction