5 Bold Predictions for Nebraska vs. Iowa Football

By Sam Mattfolk

5 Bold Predictions for Nebraska vs. Iowa

Iowa — In a battle of Big Ten West castoffs coming off losses, Nebraska heads to Iowa for a shot at another nine-win season for Bo Pelini. The Hawkeyes hope to win to improve their bowl position and cap a solid season with a big Senior Day win. The Cornhuskers are a running team, while Iowa has had most of their success through the air. Here are five bold predictions for their showdown.

5. Ameer Abdullah Will Top 150 Rushing Yards

Ameer Abdullah

5. Ameer Abdullah Will Top 150 Rushing Yards

Ameer Abdullah — Abdullah was effective again for the first time since getting injured against Purdue in a close loss to Minnesota. The Cornhuskers' workhorse back is positioned for a breakout performance against a middling front seven from the Hawkeyes. Bo Pelini will need a big game from Abdullah to win at Kinnick Stadium.

4. Jake Rudock Will Throw For 300 Yards

Jake Rudock

4. Jake Rudock Will Throw For 300 Yards

Jake Rudock — The man under center for Iowa has two 300-yard passing games this season and has been especially effective at home this season. Rudock will have his eyes out for WR Kevonte Martin-Manley along with his customary dose of throws to tight ends and backs. The Cornhuskers have not faced many passing teams this season and may struggle at times with Iowa.

3. Iowa Will Have Less Than 150 Rushing Yards

Mark Weisman

3. Iowa Will Have Less Than 150 Rushing Yards

Mark Weisman — The Blackshirts have been embarrassed on the ground in consecutive weeks, first by Melvin Gordon (408 yards) and then by Minnesota (281 yards). Expect Nebraska to clamp down defensively against the run on a Hawkeye offense without a dynamic runner like Gordon or a bruiser like David Cobb. Mark Weisman has just one 100-yard game this season.

2. Turnovers Will Decide The Outcome

Tommy Armstrong Jr.

2. Turnovers Will Decide The Outcome

Tommy Armstrong Jr. — Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. can’t make any pivotal mistakes if the Cornhuskers are going to win on the road. In three losses this season, the Cornhuskers have turned the ball over 11 times. Iowa has thrown just five interceptions this season, and the Nebraska defense may need to force a couple turnovers to swing field position in a hostile environment.

1. Nebraska Will Win

Bo Pelini

1. Nebraska Will Win

Bo Pelini — Iowa has been up and down all season, beating lesser teams and falling to better ones. Nebraska is the more talented team and should stop their losing streak to get a ninth win yet again for Bo Pelini. Like he did against McNeese State, expect Ameer Abdullah to make a game-changing play in the fourth quarter to set up a victory in Iowa City.

Teams in this article »

Iowa Hawkeyes

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

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