After a convincing win at Rutgers, Indiana will face their toughest test of the season to this point as they travel to an undefeated Nebraska.
Nebraska is 13th in ESPN’s FPI, even though they are unranked. A 5-0 SEC team, regardless of schedule, would be ranked, but that is a rant for another day. The point is, this is a really good football team.
Offense
Anthony Colandrea was tabbed as the starter after the departure of Dylan Raiola, and he has been solid. With 13 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, he has given the offense a stable, less volatile option than years past. He has also contributed 249 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, so Indiana will have to prepare for his dual threat abilities. Jamal Rule, a freshman running back, is averaging 7.9 yards per attempt this season. He has seen limited action in multiple games, but head coach Matt Ruhle said he was available at Maryland.
“He said he felt good to go, so he was going to go as needed. Just felt like with him it was worth another week,” Rhule said.
In his absence, Nebraska has struggled to run the ball. However, with him back in the fold, those problems should evaporate. Mekhi Nelson, who took the carries in Rule’s place, is only averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, and averaged 2.8 yards per attempt against Maryland a week ago.
On the receiving end, Kwazi Gilmer is leading the Cornhuskers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He had a stellar game against Maryland, going for 11 catches, 147 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Defense
Nebraska has racked up 16 sacks in 5 games, which is very good. They are top 6 in the Big Ten for both passing yards and rushing yards. This will be the strongest test Indiana has faced so far this season. They are 17th in the country in defensive efficiency, so this is a stout unit overall. Defensive back Andrew Marshall has graded out as one of the best defenders in the country, and he will have a tough assignment with either Charlie Becker or Nick Marsh.
Stat to Know
Nebraska is averaging 9.8 penalties per game. If they are that undisciplined against Indiana, who is the 4th least penalized team in the country, it is going to be a long day for the Cornhuskers.
They are also 98th in Special Teams efficiency, which has been a historical bugaboo of Nebraska under Matt Ruhle. Indiana has not been much better, at 73rd, but they dominated special teams in this matchup in 2024. If Indiana can find a way to steal field position on special teams, that could be the edge they need to put them over the top against Nebraska.
Prediction
Indiana’s coaching edge will carry the day in this game. Even with the crowd in Lincoln playing a massive factor, Indiana has the edge in this one. As long as Indiana can withstand the initial adrenaline that comes with playing a top 10 team in your building, they should be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides, which is always key in a Big Ten matchup.
My prediction is Indiana 28, Nebraska 17. This should be the game of the early window Saturday, and a true test of just how good both of these teams are this season.