Ghosts of Orange Bowl’s past are revisited when Nebraska visits Miami on Saturday. The Huskers are used to playing in Miami on New Year’s Day, not in the middle of September, but the home-and-home series between two major powers is a boon to television and sportbooks. The teams had a feisty affair last year in Lincoln with the Huskers pulling away for a cover win and a stronger dislike for the Hurricanes.
ODDS
The Hurricanes hit the board as a 3-point favorite and the number rose to -3.5. The total opened at 57.5, which seems a little low for two teams that have shown no signs of dominance on the defensive side of the football.
KEY MISMATCH
The last time he faced Nebraska, Miami’s Brad Kaaya gave the Cornhuskers secondary fits. In his fourth game as a college quarterback, Kaaya threw for 359 yards – a Miami freshman record – and three touchdowns. He also had a pair of interceptions. Though his group of pass catchers has changed, and he has a much different offensive line, Kaaya could again feast on Nebraska’s pass coverage. The Huskers gave up a last second Hail Mary, losing to BYU in the opener, and weren’t exactly solid in coverage against South Alabama last week. The Huskers allowed 12 receptions of 11 yards or more, with two going for at least 37 yards. They couldn’t stop little Josh Magee, who caught six passes for 147 yards and broke a 55-yarder. He also had a 56-yarder called back on a penalty. Defensive coordinator Mark Banker said his secondary must “finish” better to stop the Hurricanes.
The return of Stacy Coley and Braxton Berrios, who both missed last week’s game with injuries, should bolster Miami’s group of pass catchers.
KEY STAT
+6 – After just two games the Hurricanes lead the country in turnover margin at plus-six. The Huskers have turned the ball over three times in two games and can ill afford to have drives stopped by coughing up the football.
BETTING ANGLE
Nebraska head coach Mike Riley never faced the Hurricanes when he was head coach at Oregon State or offensive coordinator at USC, but he has a grasp of the magnitude games against Miami mean to the Cornhuskers. Saturday marks the first time Nebraska plays a regular season game in the Sunshine State since 1951. Before last year’s meeting, won by Nebraska in Lincoln, the previous five had come in bowls, with four deciding national championships. Last season’s game was a competitive, heated affair that featured numerous personal foul penalties with even Nebraska fans booing the opponent as the Hurricanes left the field. The game ended with only team captains and head coaches shaking hands. Riley wasn’t around for that game, but is aware of the flared tempers. It’s a factor he feels could be the difference in the game, and he’s told his team so. “Self control is always really important, so when you come up into a deal like this, you’ve just got to be under control,” he said.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Nebraska will be Miami’s first test of the season after a couple of cupcake games against Bethune-Cookman and Florida Atlantic. The Huskers will get their first road test of the year and it should be a good one, as long as both teams stick to playing football. There is plenty of pressure on Hurricanes’ coach Al Golden to win, and we’re not talking about the Bethune-Cookman’s and FAU’s, we’re talking about games against more notable competition, and this one falls in that category. The Huskers will try to control the game on the ground with Tommy Armstrong and Terrell Newby, keeping the ball out of Kaaya’s hands. If they are successful, their odds of winning increase dramatically. The ‘Canes lost standout linebacker Darrion Owens to a knee injury opening up the running lanes for Nebraska.
Nebraska 37, Miami 33
The college football lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker and the Hurricanes were positioned as 3-point favorites with a total of 57.5. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Miami Hurricanes square off on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. ET at Sun Life Stadium. The matchup will be televised live on ABC.
