The Nebraska football team's Blackout game on Saturday night will almost certainly contain some thrills and spills. Husker fans are also hoping they'll get a treat instead of a trick. It's not an understatement that this game might be the biggest of Matt Rhule's career so far.
After leading both defending national champion Indiana and the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter, the Huskers emerged from that stretch with two straight losses after starting the season 5-0. The second loss, in particular, had some fans wondering again whether Rhule is over his head as "the man" in Lincoln.
There's plenty at stake for Nebraska on Saturday night. Washington hasn't been the playoff-contending team they were expected to be at the start of the season. In fact, the Huskers have been heavy favorites all week, despite those two straight losses. With a win on Saturday night, NU has already clinched a bowl berth and has a favorable final four games that could even see them go 9-3. Lose, and people will wonder whether Rhule's team will ever get over the hump.
Final Nebraska vs. Washington odds, spread, and total
Nebraska opened the week as 9.5-point favorites, which certainly surprised Husker fans who have soured on Rhule over the last month. However, things have tightened up a bit as it appears the Huskies used the bye week to get healthy.
Jedd Fisch's team might have its top running backs back for Saturday, and he could have either Elijah Brown Jr. or Demond Williams at quarterback. Fisch has said he won't tell anyone until the game rolls around.
As of Saturday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Nebraska as a 7.5-point favorite. With a total of 49.5, oddsmakers believe Anthony Colandrea and whoever is at quarterback for the Huskies will have a bit of a shootout on their hands.
Nebraska football vs. Washington prediction
Earlier this week, Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said most Big Ten games are a "race to 21," and whoever gets there first wins. He might not have realized just how right he was. Nebraska is especially good when they hit 21 first. With a week off to rest and recuperate and find a way to score those three touchdowns early, can the Huskers cover the spread and get their sixth win of the season?
Prediction: Nebraska 24, Washington 21
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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