Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Indiana Hoosiers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 19th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The initial team to secure a spot in a bowl game now sets their sights on fulfilling their coach's bold prediction.

No. 16 Indiana returns from their bye week to face Nebraska in a Big Ten Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington, Ind. The Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0) have dominated every game, winning by a margin of at least 14 points.

When Curt Cignetti took on the role of head coach, one of his first actions was to visit Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where the Big Ten championship game was taking place the following day. Cignetti appeared on the Big Ten Network and confidently stated, "I had to make this trip up here since we'll be playing in this game next year."

Many scoffed at Cignetti's words, but now Indiana has a realistic chance of being 9-0 before facing Michigan and Ohio State in back-to-back games. The man who led James Madison to success in FBS has proven he can quickly build a winning team in a major conference.

"This is all about culture and mindset," he declared after the Hoosiers' 41-24 victory over Northwestern on October 5th. "These are players who come from championship programs and have won 20 of their last 21 games. We also have transfers from other strong programs."

"And the players who stayed have a chip on their shoulder and something to prove."

Indiana currently ranks second in FBS for scoring, averaging 47.5 points per game, and fourth in total yardage with 515.7 yards per game. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Ohio, has an impressive 74% completion rate and a 14-2 touchdown-interception ratio.

But the Hoosiers' defense is not to be overlooked, allowing less than 15 points per game and recording 19 sacks. Only two of their six opponents have managed to gain over 100 rushing yards.

Meanwhile, Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) is also coming off a bye week. In their last game, a 14-7 home win over Rutgers on October 5th, they only gained 261 total yards and allowed four sacks. However, the Cornhuskers managed to avoid the kind of heartbreaking loss that has plagued their program in recent years.

Second-year coach Matt Rhule's team dropped out of the rankings in late September after a 31-24 overtime loss at home to Illinois. This Saturday's game, followed by a trip to face No. 4 Ohio State next week, presents Nebraska with a prime opportunity to regain the relevance they strive for.

"They are probably a top 10 team," Rhule stated in regards to Indiana, "but they are not getting the credit in the rankings because they started unranked."

Nebraska's defense will likely pose the toughest challenge for Indiana's offense this season. The Cornhuskers have only allowed an average of 11.3 points per game and have recorded 20 sacks, as well as two interception returns for touchdowns.

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has an impressive 67% completion rate, but his performance in the win over Rutgers was less than stellar, completing only 13 of 27 attempts for 134 yards with one interception.

PREDICTION

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Indiana Hoosiers