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Early Vegas point spread: Is Michigan favored to win at Nebraska?

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie06/05/25CSayf23
Davis Warren
Michigan Wolverines football beat Nebraska 45-7 in 2023, and Davis Warren received mop-up snaps. (Photo by Dylan Widger-Imagn Images)

Michigan Wolverines football may go into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln Sept. 20 without its general — head coach Sherrone Moore. U-M has reportedly proposed a self-imposed suspension for the second-year head coach for the third (Central Michigan at home) and fourth (Nebraska on the road) clashes of the year.

That poses some challenges. Not only would Moore not be on the sideline on game days, he’d have to be away from the team during the week.

Nebraska is expected to be an improved team this season, and its home-field advantage is real. On3 ranked the Cornhuskers’ home venue the 23rd-toughest place to play in college football.

However, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, Michigan is a slight favorite over the Cornhuskers, with a 3.5-point early advantage. The over/under is set at 43.5 points. That suggests a projected score around Michigan 24, Nebraska 20.

Michigan has won four-straight meetings with Nebraska — 56-10 in 2018, 32-29 in 2021, 34-3 in 2022 and 45-7 in 2023. The 2021 and 2023 clashes were at Nebraska, Michigan winning close the first time and lopsided the second.

The Wolverines have a 6-4 overall advantage over the Cornhuskers, including a 2-1 mark on the road.

Nebraska is entering its third season under head coach Matt Rhule, who previously led turnarounds at Temple and Baylor. He’s on the right track at Nebraska, winning five games his first year and seven in 2024. The Cornhuskers made the postseason for the first time since 2016, beating Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Not only is starting quarterback Dylan Raiola back for his sophomore season, but the Cornhuskers have coordinator Dana Holgorsen with a full offseason to prepare. He was brought on in the middle of the 2024 campaign and replaced Marcus Satterfield in November.

The Cornhuskers also added wide receiver and offensive line talent in the transfer portal to surround Raiola. The defensive front lost fourth-round NFL Draft pick Ty Robinson, who played 60 career games as a ‘Husker, but the secondary figures to be strong.

Early game lines for two other Michigan games are out. The Wolverines are favored by 34.5 points in the Aug. 30 season opener against New Mexico. Michigan is a 5.5-point underdog in the regular-season finale Nov. 29 versus Ohio State. Both games are at home.

The Wolverines have never played New Mexico. They’ve won the last four meetings with Ohio State. The Buckeyes haven’t beaten their main rival since 2019.

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