Northwestern Wildcats vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 25, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) are headed to Lincoln to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2). at 12pmET on Saturday. These teams did not play last season, but the Cornhuskers took the most recent meeting 17-9 in Evanston as 10.5-point favorites on Oct. 21, 2023.
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Northwestern’s quiet surge continues
Don’t look now, but Northwestern is quietly having one of the better bounce-back seasons in college football. The Wildcats improved to 5-2 after shutting out Purdue 19-0 last Saturday. Quarterback Preston Stone wasn’t spectacular (11-of-26, 132 yards, two TDs, one INT), but the defense carried the day, forcing three turnovers and holding the Boilermakers to just 208 total yards.
Head coach David Braun has built this team’s identity around discipline and physicality. The Wildcats rank 3rd nationally in fewest penalty yards (28.4 per game) and 5th in time of possession (33:54), helping them control tempo and keep opposing offenses off the field.
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Statistically, Northwestern doesn’t light up the scoreboard — they average 364.4 total yards (91st nationally) and 22.7 points per game (100th) , but they’ve leaned on a balanced ground attack led by Caleb Komolafe (483 yards, 5 TDs) and Joseph Himon II, who added 87 yards last week. Wideout Griffin Wilde leads the team with 516 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Wildcats have been outstanding. They rank 22nd nationally in total defense (305.4 YPG), 18th against the pass (168.6 YPG), and 11th in scoring defense (15.1 PPG). They’ve been efficient on third down as well, converting 46.4% of their own opportunities (31st).
Nebraska looks to rebound at home
The Nebraska Cornhuskers' momentum did not carry over last Friday as they suffered a 24-6 road loss at Minnesota, falling flat offensively after a strong start to the season. Nebraska managed just 278 total yards and was held without a touchdown for the first time this year. Quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards but couldn’t find the end zone, while running back Emmett Johnson was limited to 63 rushing yards on 14 carries. The Huskers also allowed nine sacks against the Gophers.
Despite the setback, Nebraska remains one of the Big Ten’s most well-rounded teams. Offensively, the Cornhuskers average 416.4 yards per game (49th nationally), ranking 18th in passing (291.4 YPG) and 29th in scoring (36.0 PPG). As. the starting quarterback, Raiola is completing 72.8% of his throws for 1,768 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
Defensively, Nebraska ranks 12th nationally in total defense (279.3 YPG) and leads the entire FBS in passing defense (123.0 YPG). The Cornhuskers' opponents have, however, found success on the ground, with them ranking just 86th against the run (156.3 YPG). The defense has also struggled in the red zone, allowing scores on 92.9% of opponent trips (122nd nationally).
Nebraska vs Northwestern Predictions
Spread Pick for Nebraska vs. Northwestern:
- Northwestern +7.5 (4 units)
Northwestern’s physical defense and methodical pace make them a dangerous underdog. The Wildcats have covered in five of their last six games and thrive in tight, low-scoring contests. Nebraska has struggled against the spread, especially in conference play, going 0-4-1 ATS in its last five Big Ten games. With Northwestern ranking top-15 nationally in scoring defense and time of possession, expect them to slow the game and limit big plays from Dylan Raiola. The Wildcats’ balance and discipline should travel well with them, keeping this game close.
Total Pick for Nebraska vs. Northwestern:
- Over 44 (4 units)
Coming off of not scoring a touchdown last week, expect Nebraska to open up the playbook early and to have success in the passing game. Also, don't sleep on the Wildcats, as I expect them to have success on the ground. Northwestern doesn't have the most explosive offense, but this is a nice buy-low spot on the total, as the Over is 8-1 in Northwestern’s last nine games after scoring fewer than 20 points, and the Over is also 4-0 in Nebraska’s last four home games.
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