The No. 3 University of Michigan Wolverines (9-0, 6-0 Big 10) play host to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-6, 2-4 Big 10) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday for a matchup that pits the Big Ten Conference’s top rushing offense against one of its best ground defenses.
The Wolverines are 31-point favorites, and the total is 48.5. Nebraska is coming off a 20-13 loss against Minnesota at Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium last Saturday, their third consecutive defeat. Logan Smothers threw for 80 yards. Anthony Grant ran 21 times for 115 yards. Marcus Washington caught two passes for 63 yards.
Michigan won for the ninth straight game last Saturday, beating Rutgers 52-17 at SHI Stadium. J.J. McCarthy was 13 of 27 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Blake Corum carried 20 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Donovan Edwards added a touchdown of his own. He had three receptions for 52 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Wolverines won the only game between the teams last season, a 32-29 victory in October. Hassan Haskins had two touchdowns for Michigan. Adrian Martinez tossed three touchdowns for Nebraska.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Cornhuskers are averaging 25.6 points per game for the season, 85th in FBS, and they are facing a Wolverines defense that has surrendered 12.1 PPG (3rd). Meanwhile, Michigan has scored 42.2 points a game this season, fifth in the nation, and Nebraska is allowing 29.4 PPG (91st).
The Cornhuskers rank 59th in the nation in passing yards per game (243.9) and 73rd in rushing (143.2). They will face a tough test, as the Wolverines are ninth in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (170.0) and No. 1 against the run (72.4).
Michigan has been one of the country’s top rushing teams, averaging 250.0 yards per game (4th), while ranking 93rd in passing yards (215.7). The Cornhuskers are allowing 258.1 passing yards (101st) and 182.9 rushing yards per game (108th).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Casey Thompson has thrown for 12 touchdowns (10 INT) and 252.9 yards per game to lead Nebraska in passing. In three away games this season, he has five TDs (6 INT) and an average of 313.7 yards passing.
Anthony Grant leads the team in rushing with an average of 95.3 yards a game over nine games. He has six touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Trey Palmer is the Cornhuskers’ leading receiver with 91.0 yards a game and five TDs.
J.J. McCarthy has 12 passing touchdowns (2 INT) with 179.4 yards per game through nine games to lead Michigan. In six home games this season, he has thrown for six TDs (1 INT) and an average of 167.5 yards.
Blake Corum has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 131.9 yards a game through nine games. He has 17 total touchdowns, 16 rushing and one receiving.
Ronnie Bell has been the primary target in the Wolverines’ aerial attack. He has one touchdown and a 58.3 yard per game average through nine appearances.
HOME AND AWAY
Michigan has yet to suffer defeat at home this season.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Michigan -30.5 (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
