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No. 21 Nebraska is hanging on to the BCS rankings for dear life after losing two out of their last three games.
After losing to Northwestern, barely beating a Penn State team that was in the midst of the biggest scandal in college football history and being blown away 45-17 by Michigan, the Cornhuskers are in a dire situation.
Iowa managed to take down Michigan, and though they've been up and down recently as well, they finally won on the road last week against Purdue and have a solid shot in this Big Ten showdown.
Let's take a closer look to see how this game will shake out.
Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
When: Friday, November 25th at 12 p.m. EST
Watch: ABC
Spread
Nebraska -9.5, according to SportsBook
Take the Points
Nebraska has looked pathetic since they took down Michigan State, and Iowa is catching them at the perfect time.
Over/Under
53.5, according to SportsBook
Go with the Under
The over is tempting, given that both teams score over 30 PPG, but Nebraska's offense has failed to put forth more than 17 in either of their last two games, and Iowa has only allowed more than 30 points three times this season.
Key Injuries (According to USA Today)
Iowa
Nolan MacMillan, OL, (Hernia) Questionable
Dominic Alvis, DL, (Knee) Out for Season
Shane DiBona, LB, (Achilles) Out for Season
Nebraska
Courtney Osborne, S, (Undisclosed) Questionable
Thaddeus Randle, DT, (Knee) Questionable
Andrew Rodriguez, OL, (Foot) Doubtful
Ben Cotton, TE, (Shoulder) Doubtful
Jared Crick, DT, (Pectoral) Out for Season
Jake Cotton, OL, (Knee) Out for Season
BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications
Losing this game would be the final straw for Nebraska. They have managed to stay ranked despite their late-season skid.
It's too late for Iowa to get in the game, but they can certainly play spoiler to their new conference rival.
Keys to Iowa Win
Attack Taylor Martinez
Martinez hasn't rushed for more than 56 yards in any of his last three games, and his ridiculous 39.1 percent completion rate vs. Michigan made victory impossible for the Huskers.
Keep Martinez in check, and Nebraska's offense will have a tough time moving the ball.
Feed Marcus Coker
Coker is a big 230-pound back who has the ability to take over a game. He's racked up more than 100 yards seven times this season, and the Hawkeyes will need him at his best to take down the Huskers.
Keys to Nebraska Win
Stop the Run
With the offense struggling like it is, Nebraska can't afford to give up a lot of points.
Iowa has one of the most underrated rush attacks in the nation, and the Huskers have to load up the box to slow them down.
Get Rex Burkhead Back on Track
Burkhead has been up and down the past few games and has less than 69 yards in two of his last three games.
Not so coincidentally, the Huskers won the game in between, where he produced 121 yards on the ground.
Prediction
Iowa 24, Nebraska 21
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