Get ready for an exciting Big Ten battle as Nebraska football takes on Minnesota this Friday night. With the Cornhuskers ranked 25th and riding a hot streak, this matchup promises thrills for college football fans. Head coach Matt Rhule’s squad is hungry for another win, but the Golden Gophers won’t make it easy on their home turf. Let’s dive into the details, from odds to player highlights, and see what makes this game a must-watch.
Game Preview: Nebraska Football Aims for Third Straight Victory
Nebraska football is on fire, looking to extend their winning run to three games when they face Minnesota in a crucial Big Ten clash. The Cornhuskers, sitting at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, just edged out Maryland 34-31 on the road. They’re chasing their strongest Big Ten finish since 2016 and have been perfect away from home so far.
Minnesota, at 4-2 overall and also 2-1 in the Big Ten, shares fourth place with Nebraska in the standings. The Golden Gophers have been unbeatable at home, going 4-0 this season. They pulled off a comeback 27-20 victory over Purdue last week. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Historically, Minnesota leads the series 37-25-2, with a narrow 13-10 win in 2023.
One key note for Nebraska football fans: Cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr. is sidelined with an injury, which could impact their defense.
Betting Odds and Trends for Nebraska vs. Minnesota
When it comes to the latest odds, Nebraska football is favored by 7 points via DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under sits at 47.5 points, with Nebraska’s team total at 27.5 and Minnesota’s at 20.5. On the money line, the Cornhuskers are -273, while the Golden Gophers come in as underdogs at +221.
These lines reflect Nebraska’s strong start, but Minnesota’s home advantage could shake things up. For streaming options, check out Fubo for a free trial to catch the action live.
Why Nebraska Football Could Dominate and Cover the Spread
Nebraska football’s offense revolves around sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, who’s been a standout this season. He’s connected on 138 of 188 passes for 1,591 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five picks. Even with three interceptions against Maryland, he bounced back to throw for 260 yards and four scores. Earlier against Akron, he lit it up with 364 yards and four touchdowns.
On the ground, junior running back Emmett Johnson powers the attack with 105 carries for 650 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per rush. He’s also a threat in the passing game, hauling in 24 catches for 130 yards and a score. In the Maryland win, he exploded for 176 yards on 21 carries, showing his big-play potential.
Why Minnesota Could Surprise and Cover as Underdogs
Don’t count out Minnesota—they’ve got firepower too. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey leads the charge, completing 113 of 188 passes for 1,284 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. His rating stands at 130.1, and he’s added a rushing score. Against Purdue, he threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while he torched Rutgers for 324 yards and three scores earlier.
Lindsey’s go-to receiver is senior wideout Le’Meke Brockington, who’s grabbed 23 balls for 253 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11 yards per catch. He’s even chipped in a rushing touchdown. In one game, he racked up eight receptions for 106 yards, proving he can make game-changing plays.
Expert Picks from a Proven College Football Model
A trusted projection model has crunched the numbers on this Nebraska football matchup, simulating the game 10,000 times. This same model has delivered over $2,000 in profit for $100 bettors on top-rated spread picks since starting, and it’s gone 39-27 on money-line and over/under selections in 2024. Head over to SportsLine to get the full breakdown and see which side it’s backing for Nebraska vs. Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Football vs. Minnesota
Here are quick answers to some common searches related to this game:
- Who is favored to win Nebraska vs. Minnesota? Nebraska football is the 7-point favorite, with a money line of -273, giving them a strong edge based on recent form and odds.
- What is the over/under for Nebraska vs. Minnesota? The total points line is set at 47.5, suggesting a competitive but not overly high-scoring affair.
- What time does Nebraska football play Minnesota? Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 18, 2025, from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
- How has Dylan Raiola performed for Nebraska football this season? Raiola has been impressive, throwing for 1,591 yards and 16 touchdowns in six games, with a 73.4% completion rate.
- Can Minnesota upset Nebraska at home? Yes, with their perfect home record and quarterback Drake Lindsey’s solid play, the Golden Gophers have a real shot, especially as +221 underdogs.
Final Thoughts on This Big Ten Battle
In the end, this Nebraska football game against Minnesota could be a turning point in the Big Ten race. The Cornhuskers have the talent and momentum to pull away, but Minnesota’s home strength and gritty offense make them a tough out. Whether you’re betting or just watching, expect close plays and big moments from stars like Raiola and Lindsey. For Nebraska fans, a win here boosts their conference hopes—keep an eye on that ground game to seal the deal. No matter the outcome, it’s games like this that make college football so addictive.