Nebraska vs Missouri Odds - Nebraska's Helu Jr. will run over Missouri
These Nebraska vs Missouri odds are backing the Cornhuskers on Thursday, which is strange when you consider Nebraska’s recent history at Faurot Field. But this year, a tough ground game will end the ‘Huskers’ struggles at Mizzou, along with a strong defense will shut down Mizzou’s high-flying offense for an online betting victory.
Nebraska vs Missouri Odds: Nebraska -3
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Nebraska vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
With both teams kicking off the conference portion of their schedule, the Cornhuskers (3-1, 0-0) and Tigers (4-0, 0-0) can get an edge in the Big 12 North with a victory. Both are also coming off a bye week, so they should be well rested. There’s probably more on the line here for Nebraska, as Missouri wasn’t supposed to be good with a number of important losses, especially on offense. The Cornhuskers also fell at Virginia Tech and would like to prove that they can beat a ranked squad. Betting Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Cornhuskers are ninth in the nation in points scored, but three of their first games have been against lower-level teams at home. When they went to Virginia Tech, Nebraska lost 16-15 behind an awful performance from Zac Lee, who was 11-of-30 for 136 yards and two picks. Maybe the Cornhuskers need to rely more on Roy Helu Jr., the junior who ran for 169 yards against the Hokies. The Tigers haven’t missed a beat since Chase Daniel and company left campus, as Blaine Gabbert is the fourth-rated passer in the country. However, he’s yet to face a tough test. He can take some momentum from a 414-yard performance against Nevada, but the Cornhuskers are infinitely better than Nevada, so now we’ll see if Gabbert, a sophomore, is ready. Betting Edge: Missouri
Nebraska vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Defense
Nebraska has allowed just seven points a game in their first four outings, and they kept Virginia Tech’s rushing attack in check. Coach Bo Pelini has done a masterful job in retooling the Cornhuskers on defense, but that’s not surprising: he called the plays for LSU’s defense when they won the national title in 2008. The Tigers are 21st in points allowed, but they’re a midpack team in terms of yards allowed, both through the air and on the ground. Eventually this will bite them, and the defense is the main reason that sportsbook players are still skeptical on Mizzou. Betting Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Nebraska’s lone injury worry is to safety Ricky Thenarse (knee), and this hurts the depth of the secondary, which could be tested against the Tigers. Mizzou linebacker Luke Lambert (ankle) didn’t start against Nevada, but he could be ready for the Cornhuskers. Running back De’Vion Moore (ankle) came back against Nevada, but he struggled and the Tigers need him at 100%. Betting Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska vs Missouri betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cornhuskers are 3-point favorites and they should be coming into Mizzou with revenge on their mind, as they’ve lost their last two meetings with the Tigers by a score of 93-23. They’ve lost three in a row at Faurot Field, but Pelini has his troops ready to go, and the Virginia Tech loss is more motivation. Look for them to run Helu Jr. up the middle of the Mizzou defense, which hasn’t proved it can stop the run yet, and if he put up 169 yards against the Hokies, the sky is the limit against the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Nebraska defense will be all over Gabbert and company. BLAKE’S PICK: Nebraska -3
For more sports betting analysis as we head towards bowl season, follow Blake in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Nebraska vs Missouri matchup, check out our stats section. Blake Frazier is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
