Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Cincinnati Bearcats Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/28/2025 9:00 PM EDT

We have your Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Cincinnati Bearcats prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Nebraska Cornhuskers hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Cincinnati Bearcats Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Nebraska -240
Best Spread Odds: Nebraska -6.5 (-110)
Best Total Odds: Over 53.5 (-110)

Game Info

Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EDT
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: ESPN

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Cincinnati Bearcats Preview

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, under head coach Matt Rhule in his third season, are looking to build on their breakthrough 2024 campaign, which saw them achieve their first winning season since 2016 and make a bowl game. Optimism is high, especially with rising star quarterback Dylan Raiola leading the offense, which gained traction under new coordinator Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers boast a strong ground game and an improved offensive line, and they led the Big Ten in time of possession last season. While their defense is expected to be good, it may lack a multitude of "sure-thing stars."

On the other side, the Cincinnati Bearcats, led by Scott Satterfield in his third year, are eager to improve upon an 8-16 record over the past two seasons since moving to the Big 12. The Bearcats have significantly retooled their roster with 39 new scholarship players. Defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is recognized as a standout player on the field, and their offensive line features a strong starting five. Veteran quarterback Brendan Sorsby is an all-around talent capable of matching Raiola's production. Cincinnati also emphasized clock control, leading the Big 12 in time of possession. This neutral site game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is expected to draw a significant number of Nebraska fans, creating a road-game atmosphere for the Bearcats despite being the designated home team.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The upcoming game will mark only the second meeting between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Cincinnati Bearcats. Their sole prior encounter took place in 1906, where the Nebraska Cornhuskers defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats with a decisive 41-0 victory.

Pick: Under 53.5 Total Points

While the AI model projects a Nebraska victory with a combined score of 60 points, and Yardbarker predicts a 54-point game, several factors point towards the Under. Nebraska's defense was a standout in 2024, ranking 17th in points allowed per game (19.46 PPG) and 8th in rushing yards allowed per game (101.23 YPG). Their ability to control the clock, ranking 13th in time of possession, further limits offensive opportunities for opponents. The total has gone Under in 10 of Nebraska's last 14 games, indicating a consistent trend towards lower-scoring affairs when they are involved. Cincinnati's offense, while featuring a capable quarterback in Brendan Sorsby, ranked 91st in points scored last season (25.17 PPG), suggesting they may struggle to consistently move the ball against a stout Nebraska defense.