Nebraska vs. Cincinnati Prediction, Game Preview
by Pete Fiutak, CollegeFootballNews.com
Enough is enough for both programs.
Nebraska got to a bowl game last year. Whoopee.
It's Nebraska. It's supposed to do that, but yeah, last year was a breakthrough campaign with a winning season for the first time since 2016.
In the third year under head coach Matt Rhule, this is when the team should take the next step forward. Win this, and with Akron and Houston Christian to follow, it'll be a 3-0 start before starting the Big Ten season against Michigan.
Cincinnati won 55 games and went to a College Football Playoff -- back when it meant something to get into a four-team tournament -- in five years.
Scott Satterfield took over, the program moved to the Big 12, and an 8-16 record in two seasons isn't what the fan base was expecting. With Bowling Green and Northwestern State to follow this, a win would almost certainly lead to a narrative-changing 3-0 start.
Nebraska vs. Kansas City
Thursday, August 28 - 9:00 PM (ET) - ESPN
at Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City, MO
Why Nebraska Will Win
The transfer portal gave rising star quarterback Dylan Raiola a few special targets to work with.
The offense lost a few stars, but receivers Dane Key from Kentucky and Cal's Nyziah Hunter will give the retooled Bearcat secondary problems.
Cincinnati isn't starting from scratch in the secondary, but it's not far off. Everything should be okay in time, but it would've been nice to get an FCS scrimmage first before dealing with this bunch.
The Husker ground game should be good, too. Cincinnati defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is the best player on the field, but the Nebraska offensive line is the best the program has had in a while.
Why Cincinnati Will Win
One of Nebraska's biggest strengths last season was its ability to control the clock. It didn't slow things down, but it managed the clock, was deliberate when needed, and leading the Big Ten in time of possession played a huge role in the improved campaign.
Cincinnati led the Big 12 in time of possession last year. It'll do its best to keep the game at the speed its wants.
The Bearcats have a strong starting five on the offensive front, and veteran Brendan Sorsby is a strong enough all-around quarterback to match Raiola's production. The Nebraska defense will be good, but it doesn't have a slew of sure-thing stars.
Who Will Win
It's not like playing in Lincoln, but Nebraska fans will invade Kansas City for this.
Cincinnati will be far better this season, but it won't be able to get by Nebraska's experience. In a game that will be all about control and moving the chains, Raiola and the attack will mix it up enough to own the momentum.
The Huskers won't ever feel comfortable, and it'll get more stressful after a late Bearcat rally. But when Nebraska needs to take the air out of the ball, it will.
Prediction
Nebraska 31, Cincinnati 23
Spread
Nebraska is favored by 6.5 points. The O/U is set at 53.5
