Among the most highly anticipated Week One matchups for Saturday is the Nebraska Cornhuskers hosting the Akron Zips. Indeed, Nebraska fans have been counting down the days for this epic evening as Scott Frost will be coaching in his first game for the Big Red. Frost arrives after his sensational work at Central Florida in which he led the Knights to an undefeated season and bowl win over Auburn. Frost is a native of Nebraska and quarterbacked the Huskers to their last national championship in 1997. In Akron the Huskers face a manageable opponent that barely made a minor bowl game last year.
Watch this Week 1 matchup live on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at 8 p.m. ET at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium. The broadcast can be seen on FOX.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Akron +23.5
Nebraska -23.5
Over/Under 53
Odds Analysis
This line has jumped from its opening of Nebraska -21 as the hype over Scott Frost’s first game as head coach of the Cornhuskers is over the top. The total has also had activity as it was bet down from its opening of 55.
Frost Warning
Its not hyperbole to call Frost’s homecoming more of a second coming. Nebraska used to be among the top tier traditional powers from the mid 1960’s through 2001. From 1970 through 1997 they won a total of five national championships and perennially contended for many more along the way. But since the firing of Frank Solich in 2003 the Big Red have lost their identity and their brand. All believe that Frost will reclaim Nebraska’s place on the top tier of national programs. Frost has already stepped up recruiting, training, nutrition, and expectations. There is a feel that he is the real deal and understands what it takes to win at Nebraska.
Coaching Angle
Frost made his name as offensive coordinator for Oregon with Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Ducks had one of the most ferocious offenses in college football history at that time. From there he took UCF to a 13-0 record and final ranking of sixth last year in just his second year on the job. Just as impressive is that the Knights were a winless team the season before he arrived.
Terry Bowden is remembered by many for his fast rise and meteoric fall with the Auburn Tigers. Now in his seventh season at Akron he has a record of 31-44 with the Zips. Last year Bowden took advantage of a weak East Division before getting slaughtered in the MAC Championship Game against Toledo. That was followed with a blowout loss to Florida Atlantic in the Boca Raton Bowl. Bowden’s best record at Akron was 8-5 in 2015 but he has not been able to improve upon that.
Player to Watch
For the first time in their storied history Nebraska will start a true freshman at quarterback in Adrian Martinez. Martinez was called the day Frost took the Nebraska job and offered a scholarship on that first call. Frost commends Martinez for being mature far beyond his age of 18 and for his natural ability. Martinez offers run pass versatility with a big arm and quickness. Will Martinez quickly develop into the image of Mariota? This is the Big Red’s hope.
Key Trends
Akron has not been an effective large road dog as proven by their record of 2-5 against the spread when getting 14 or more points away from home. Also 13 out of their last 16 in that situation went under the total. Despite their recently bad seasons Nebraska has remained a strong home chalk of 21 or more points. NU has just two losses against the spread in their last 11 chances in that role with four of their last six in that span also going under the total.
Free ATS Pick
Akron cannot rate a recommendation in this situation. They are outmanned and the intangibles are all with Nebraska. Furthermore, the trends in this situation all point towards the Big Red.
College Football Odds: Nebraska 42, Akron 13
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
