Nebraska Cornhuskers at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Saturday, 10/23/10, 3:30 PM EDT, TV: ABC
Opening Point Spread: Nebraska -5.5
Current Betting Line: Nebraska -5.5
Opening Total: 61.5
Current Total: 60
Current Moneyline: Nebraska -230 / Oklahoma State +190
Nebraska looks to rebound from its first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon at Oklahoma State, coming off a 20-13 defeat to the Texas Longhorns in Lincoln last week. The Cornhuskers are also seeking their seventh consecutive road win, but it will not come easy against the 17th-ranked team in the country. “I honestly think there’s less distraction on the road, whatever it may be,” head coach Bo Pelini said. “We’re looking into why that is and trying to think outside of the box a little bit about maybe handling home games a little bit differently.” The team holds a commanding 36-5-1 edge in the all-time series between the two schools, including a 15-3-1 advantage in Stillwater. Nebraska is 4-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival and 9-10 ATS versus Big Ten opponents over the past three years. Nebraska is currently a 5.5 point road favorite on the college football lines for week 8.
The Cornhuskers were held to 202 yards last week versus the Longhorns, which was much lower than the 494.4 yards it averaged in the first five weeks. Nebraska also won its first five games by an average of 28.8 points and relied heavily on the play of its freshman quarterback. Taylor Martinez was receiving a lot of Heisman until last week’s game when he managed just 21 yards on 13 carries. He has a good chance of bouncing back due to averaging 189 yards and scoring seven touchdowns in two road games this year. Defensively, the team has been impressive throughout, ranking ninth-nationally in total yards allowed (274.3) and points (14) allowed.
Oklahoma State has garnered a 6-0 record and 2-0 mark in conference play this season by going through a schedule that’s gotten tougher as the years gone on. The level of competition certainly ratchets up in hosting the Huskers. “They’re probably the most athletic back seven I’ve seen from linebackers, safeties and corners. Without question, the most athletic group of seven guys collectively that I’ve seen,” offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said of Nebraska’s defense. “They’re obviously good.” The Cowboys will be playing their only home game in the month of October and will be hosting its homecoming. Oklahoma State is 47-34-7 all-time in Homecoming games and has won its last six games against the Big 12 North.
The Cowboys will be facing their first ranked opponent of the season on Saturday and just the third since the start of the 2009 campaign. Oklahoma State picked up a win over No. 13 Georgia and a loss to No. 3 Texas last year. Offensively, the club is led by the exploits of wide receiver Justin Blackmon and quarterback Brandon Weeden. Blackmon leads the country in scoring (13 ppg), total receiving yards (159.2) and touchdown receptions (12). Weeden steps in second in passing yards per game (327.67), second in touchdown passes with 19 and fifth in total passing yards (1,966). The Total is 5-1 Over/Under this year in their games, but an even 15-15 over the past three seasons.
Bettors will be interested in knowing that the Cornhuskers are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings, while the Cowboys are 0-6 ATS as a home underdog. Maddux Sports feels they have a good feel on this game and should have another easy winner. Currently followers of Maddux Sports are up over $11,000 this season and we should be adding some profit this weekend with our NCAA football picks Saturday package. We have 7 winners and the prediction of this game. Dont miss anymore winning plays and start turning a profit with Maddux’s advice this season.
