Nebraska vs Purdue Prediction, Odds & Props (Saturday, Sep. 28)

• Nebraska battles Purdue in Big Ten College Football in Week 5
• The current Nebraska vs Purdue odds favor the Huskers by 10 points
• Read below for Nebraska vs Purdue prediction, odds and props

The college football world wants to see what will happen on Saturday, September 28, 2024, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten clash.

This game marks Purdue’s first conference game of the season, while this is Nebraska’s second. Unfortunately, the Cornhuskers lost a heartbreaker to Illinois last week in overtime (31-24).

The Huskers come in as 10-point favorites, with the over/under set at 47 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The game will be streamed on Peacock, with kickoff scheduled for Noon EDT.

Nebraska vs Purdue Prediction

Nebraska had been dominant to start the season, outscoring their opponents 102-20 through three games. However, the Cornhuskers ran up against an Illinois team that would not go away. The Fighting Illini came back in the fourth quarter to force overtime then win 31-24 in the extra session. That dealt Nebraska their first loss of the season after three wins.

The Cornhuskers are not built on running the football like in previous decades. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola can get the ball downfield (83/115, 967 yds, 8 TD, 2 INT). While Nebraska still averages 140.5 yards per game, that is a far cry from the day where the Cornhuskers racked up 200-300+ yards routinely.

Dylan Raiola currently leads the nation in passing yards by a True Freshman. 🌽 pic.twitter.com/r6FiWGwKyb

— Blackshirts (@blvckshirts) September 27, 2024

Isaiah Nevor leads a mostly balanced receiving corps with 277 yards and four touchdowns. He can be a game-breaker. Jahmal Banks and Jaylen Lloyd also have over 100 receiving yards. Dante Dowdell is the main running back with 256 yards on 51 carries and three scores.

Then there is Purdue. Yes, the Boilermakers offense has struggled, ranking 92nd in points scored and 119th in points allowed. While Hudson Card has been okay (453 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT), he and the Purdue offensive line were ran over by Notre Dame and even Oregon State.

The concern for Purdue is Nebraska coming off a rough loss and wanting to exact revenge. Purdue can run the ball and must run effectively to keep the Cornhuskers off the field. That is the only way they can stay close. If the line can open enough holes for Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III, then Purdue has a chance.

I’m predicting a Nebraska victory with a late cover. Purdue will keep this close, but Nebraska’s line of scrimmage edge should prove to be too much, especially in the second half.

Nebraska-Purdue Pick:

• Nebraska -10 (-110)

Nebraska vs Purdue Player Props

College football player props are coming out for the Nebraska vs Purdue game. Here are a couple bets I have circled:

Dylan Raiola Over 229.5 Passing Yards

Raiola faces a front seven in Purdue that is not overwhelming. Teams have not tested Purdue much through the air averaging a mere 18 passing attempts. The Cornhuskers’ quarterback will take shots down the field. Isaiah Nevor expects to be a main target. His speed will cause defensive breakdowns.

With Purdue facing Notre Dame and Oregon State (more rushing-centric), the Boilermakers could see some long plays against which would pad Raiola’s passing total.

Through 4 games Dylan Raiola has the 4th most passing yards in the Big Ten. (967)

This is the same total of yards our leading passer had all of last year. pic.twitter.com/OXz0Fspnw8

— Bugeaters (@bugeaters_) September 26, 2024

Dante Dowdell 100+ Rushing Yards

Dowdell may not be the ultra workhorse but he does average more than five yards a carry and has 256 yards rushing. Purdue allows a whopping 269 yards on the ground a contest. Nebraska, on the road, will be apt to run the ball a bit more than usual. It may set up the pass.

With a somewhat close game expected late, Dowdell could get more chances to run into the fourth quarter which would boost his chances to break the century mark.

Nebraska vs Purdue Odds

Nebraska is favored by 10 points with -375 moneyline odds, implying a 78.9% win probability. Purdue are +295 underdogs, indicating just a 21.1% chance to pull the upset, per the oddsmakers.

The total is set at 47 points, with even -110 juice on both sides. This suggests a somewhat lower-scoring affair, which makes sense given last year’s matchup and how Purdue and Nebraska have performed offensively the past few weeks.

Odds as of September 27, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Browse the best College Football betting app for Nebraska-Purdue.

Some notable line movement: Nebraska has mostly stayed right around 10 but did start in the 7.5 to 8.5 range before quickly moving to double digits. The overwhelming dollars are on Nebraska here at a whopping 93% and betting percentage is 64% for the spread.

It’s easy to see why bettors like Nebraska. Purdue flopped against Notre Dame and Oregon State. Nebraska probably should have beat Illinois.

The Cornhuskers are 3-1 ATS. They were favored by nine points over Illinois but the Fighting Illini have a defensive balance that Purdue does not have yet.

Nebraska vs Purdue Head to Head

These storied programs have met 12 times previously, with both teams splitting the previous four matchups:

• Oct 28, 2023: Purdue 14, Nebraska 31
• Oct 15, 2022: Nebraska 37, Purdue 43
• Sep 7, 2021: Purdue 28, Nebraska 23
• Dec 5, 2020: Nebraska 37, Purdue 27

Their most recent meeting in 2023 was far from a classic. Nebraska won easily but the last time they were in Purdue in 2022, the Boilermakers won a high-scoring affair where the teams combined for nearly 1,100 yards of total offense.

However, plenty has changed and while Matt Rhule is trying to rebuild Nebraska, Ryan Walters is attempting to stay competitive for Purdue. That has been easier said and done.

Nebraska has the more experienced team and a better defensive system. However, anything can happen and often does in the Big 10.