The Nebraska Cornhuskers finally take to the road Saturday when they play their first game away from home this season, challenging the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Like many big programs, the Cornhuskers have made a habit of playing inferior schools, which has made them double-digit favorites twice already early this year. They will get an opportunity to beat another one in a similar scenario when they travel to Bulldog Stadium.
Point spread: Cornhuskers opened as 10-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers can cover the spread
There’s no doubt that the Cornhuskers are the better team, but that does not mean the underdog can’t have his day. They probably already let that happen last week, though, as McNeese State came very close to pulling off the upset in a 31-24 Nebraska win that did not cover the massive 35.5-point spread.
The Cornhuskers can look at that game as a wake-up call, realizing another performance like that on the road here could result in a loss if they’re not careful. Fresno State remains hungry for its first win of the season, and the line reflects that.
A strong start behind a high-powered offense that silences the crowd is all Nebraska likely needs to cover this number.
Why the Fresno State Bulldogs can cover the spread
The Bulldogs covered a 28-point spread in a 42-29 loss to the Cornhuskers three years ago in Lincoln, and the key in that game was also getting off to a good start.
Fresno held leads of 14-7 and 20-14 before surrendering the lead for good midway through the third quarter. The Bulldogs were also able to create turnovers in the last meeting, something they have been unable to do since recovering two fumbles in a 52-13 season-opening loss to USC.
Turnovers have been known to come in bunches, and that could very well be the difference in this game. Fresno is 4-0 against the spread in its last four games against Big Ten opponents as well.
Smart Pick
Will this be the game that the Bulldogs finally break through and keep a game close after losing their first two games by a combined 71 points?
Oddsmakers seem to think so, otherwise they would have made the Cornhuskers even bigger favorites. Nebraska is just 1-4-1 against the spread in its last six games as a road favorite, and the betting public will probably still look to tail the popular school in this prime-time matchup.
While Fresno State is 3-6 ATS in its last nine games as a home underdog, the team is 3-1 vs. the line in its past four. Bet the Bulldogs to cover four of five in that situation and put another scare in the Cornhuskers.
Trends:
- Nebraska is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
- Fresno State is 1-4 ATS in its last five games
Note: All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted—check out Twitter for injury updates and line move updates and get the free odds tracker app.
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