Nebraska vs Ohio State Prediction and Odds (Trust Cornhuskers as Road Underdog)

Coming off a 93-70 upset win over Penn State, the 8-21 Nebraska Cornhuskers hope to get a winning streak going when they take on the 18-8 No. 23 Ohio State Buckeyes tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Despite a poor overall record, the Cornhuskers have been a strong spread bet. They're 11-6 against the spread (ATS) over their last 16 and take on a Buckeyes squad that's equally impressive, going 8-3 ATS over their previous 11.

Can Nebraska keep it close or will the Buckeyes dominate at home? Or should the total be drawing our attention as bettors?

Let's take a gander at the odds, courtesy of WynnBET:

Nebraska vs Ohio State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Nebraska +14.5 (-110)
• Ohio State -14.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Nebraska: +800
• Ohio State: -1400

Total:

• 150 (Over -110/Under -110)

Nebraska vs Ohio State Prediction and Pick

Ordinarily, I would say this is a prime look-ahead spot for Ohio State. With games against Michigan State and Michigan over the next few days, one would understand if the Buckeyes weren't fully focused against a weak opponent tonight. However, Ohio State just got trounced by 15 by Maryland and will be anxious to wash the stench of that loss out of its system before the big games this week.

But I don't know how much the Buckeyes can be trusted. They're just 2-3 outright over their last five as a favorite as their offense has gone cold. Despite their 10th-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the country, they've scored 70 or fewer in five of their last seven.

The Cornhuskers do play at one of the fastest paces in the country though, which should allow plenty of points. That fast pace and a lack-luster defense has helped the over go 5-1 in Nebraska's last six as a road underdog and 10-4 over their last 14 as an underdog period. I'd like to play the over as a result, but the Buckeyes' offensive troubles and slow tempo scare me a bit and the over is just 1-4 in their last five as a favorite.

I do think Nebraska can hang around in this one. The Cornhuskers 10-6 ATS in their last 16 as an underdog and are catching a slumping Ohio State team at the right time. The Buckeyes are an excellent home team, but the Cornhuskers can ride their offensive momentum and take advantage of Ohio State's turnover-prone offense to keep it within the number.

Pick: Nebraska +14.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.