2* Nebraska Cornhuskers -3 -110
1* Nebraska/Missouri Under 53 -110
As I've said a few times before, I think Nebraska will prove to be a pretty good team over the course of the season, a team on the up and up. I also think Missouri is overrated - done are the days of Maclin and Daniel. Although Gabbert has looked good early, their competition has been horrendous.
As Miami learned, going into Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech is not easy. And Nebraska battled them, losing on a last minute desperation touchdown. I like the fact that Nebraska is battle tested here, has been to a tough environment, and played well enough to win. Nebraska boasts the #1 scoring defense in the country, and while they aren't quite that good, this is still a tough unit lead by Bo Pellini.
So we've got an overrated offense with a young QB in Gibbert, we've got a tough defense, and we've got rain in the forecast. We also have a star RB in Roy Helu that is rumored to have the flu, swine flu or some sort of illness. Some people feel it is precautionary, some people feel it is the flu. Either way, I don't expect a 100% Helu in this game, and that should help the under a bit. All of this points to an under for me in this game.
Now I obviously like Nebraska in the game despite Helu's potential ailment. I think they are the tougher team, the more battle tested team, the better defense, the team who is underrated and has value, and they team with the better coach. With a reasonable spread like 3, I have no problems laying small road chalk and going with Nebraska. Nebraska has destroyed a lot of teams they have played and they have shown a killer instinct, while Mizzou has let Nevada and Bowling Green hang around.
I like that QB Zac Lee got his road start out of the wya ta Lane Stadium. Missouris' Stadium will be like a walk in the park compared to that.
Missouri has won 2 straight in this series, but that was with Chase Daniel and co. I think Nebraska sees the opening here to get some revenge and open up with Big 12 conference slate with a win. They will not take Mizzou lightly as Mizzou is undefeated.
Nerbaska is 4-0 ATS last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record while Mizzou is 0-4 ATS last 4 games vs. a team with a winning record.
AKA --- One coach gets his team up to play better competition, and one guy's team doesn't play well against good competition.
Expect Nebraska to come out and make a statement on National TV that they are a team to be reckoned with, and expect these guys to look very impressive getting themselves back on the map in the rain, all things considered.
Nebraska 28
Missouri 17
