The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off a much-needed bye week, especially with how their season has gone. The number of injuries this team has faced has been astronomical, and a good week of rest was needed.
Now, Nebraska gets to face Penn State, a team that was ranked No. 2 in the preseason rankings, but has since fallen from grace and only just got its first Big Ten win of the season. Even though Nebraska is bowl-eligible and coming off a win against UCLA behind backup quarterback TJ Lateef, the Nittany Lions are solid favorites against the Cornhuskers.
Penn State has no business being favored over Nebraska
Penn State opens a massive 10.5 point favorite over Matt Rhule and Nebraska pic.twitter.com/oviWZGLB6X
— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) November 16, 2025
Ever since starting Big Ten play and even after firing head coach James Franklin, Penn State has struggled to find wins, even in games they should have won, like against UCLA and Northwestern. The Nittany Lions have also been plagued by injuries, losing their starter Drew Allar for the season, just like Nebraska has lost Dylan Raiola.
The opening odds for Nebraska vs. Penn State, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, started with the Nittany Lions being a 10.5-point favorite. The line has since moved to Penn State being a 9.5-point favorite, but that is still a lot to be favored by, especially when this team is only 4-6.
Nebraska may be down its starting quarterback, but backup TJ Lateef proved himself against UCLA, a team Penn State wasn't able to beat. Plus, running back Emmett Johnson showed up big against the Bruins.
The Cornhuskers need to see this line and use it as motivation in the locker room to get guys fired up for this matchup. The line could still shift before the game on Saturday, but right now, it seems like Penn State is still going to be favored, so Nebraska better bring it in Happy Valley.