College Football Week 6 – #21 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #24 Missouri Tigers

#21 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #24 Missouri Tigers

Thursday, October 8th –  Faurot Field – 9:10 PM ET
Line: Nebraska -3; O/U: 53.5

Nebraska: The Week That Was

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off a bye this week, but two weeks ago, coach Bo Pelini’s team dominated Louisiana-Lafayette, pulling away early and coasting to an impressive 55-0 victory. Demonstrating why they were ranked No. 25 in the country, the Huskers held the Ragin’ Cajuns to just 222 yards, Louisiana-Lafayette’s lowest total of the season.

Nebraska’s defense also allowed ULL just one drive into the red zone while forcing three turnovers. Offensively, the Huskers were equally as impressive, bolting to a 34-0 lead before halftime and finishing the game with 433 total yards. Quarterback Zac Lee was 15-for-18 with 238 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, running back Roy Helu, Jr. carried the ball 15 times for the Huskers, good for 83 yards and two touchdowns.  

Missouri: The Week That Was 

Two weeks ago Mizzou faced 0-2 Nevada on the road and walked away with a 31-21 victory to move to 4-0 on the season. With an offense that racked up nearly 500 yards, the Missouri Tigers made a case for a midseason top 25 ranking. By passing for 414 yards and three touchdowns, Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert made a statement testifying to his Big 12 credentials, and to his place as the successor to Missouri legend Chase Daniel.

After struggling early in the first quarter against the Wolf Pack, Gabbert connected with Danario Alexander for a 31-yard touchdown to give Mizzou the lead before halftime. Missouri took over early in the third quarter after Gabbert connected with Alexander for the second time, on a 74-yard touchdown strike. Defensively, the Tigers forced key turnovers, but they allowed 218 yards on the ground. 

The Week That Is

Missouri and Nebraska should be rested for their Big 12 conference opener. Both teams, now ranked in the top 25, have yet to beat an opponent that has challenged them. The only loss in their combined eight games (four for each club) came in Nebraska’s 16-15 setback at Virginia Tech. This week will be a test for these teams, especially on defense. Both the Tigers and Huskers have athletic quarterbacks who know how to find receivers while avoiding mistakes.  

The Huskers will need to pressure Gabbert, a formidable force as a drop-back passer. Gabbert has completed 66 percent of his passes this season for nearly 1,200 yards, plus 11 touchdowns with no interceptions. Mizzou’s defense will need to find a way to stop the Nebraska running game, mainly running back Roy Helu, Jr.

Helu has rushed for 464 yards and five touchdowns this season, and he averages 6.4 yards per carry. If the Tigers play like they did two weeks ago in Nevada, they will allow more that just 218 yards on the ground. Mizzou rolled the Huskers in their last meeting, 52-17, but I wouldn’t expect to see a similar result this year.  

Pick: Nebraska -3 & Under 53.5