Iowa vs. Nebraska: Keys to victory, HuskerOnline score predictions for Friday

Can Nebraska beat Iowa for the first time in Lincoln since 2011? The Hawkeyes and Huskers will square off today for the Heros Trophy, where Iowa currently holds a commanding 8-4 lead in the series.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are today’s keys to victory for Nebraska vs. Iowa.

NU currently sits as a 2.5-point favorite over the Hawks for Friday’s game, which is set for an 11 a.m. CT time start on CBS. It’s Nebraska’s first time appearing on CBS since the 2009 Gator Bowl.

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KEYS TO VICTORY: Iowa vs. Nebraska

KEY 1: Use Chubba Purdy’s mobility and the running game

Nebraska has a key advantage in this game with quarterback Chubba Purdy’s ability to run. The Huskers must find a few big plays and convert with it on the ground.

KEY 2: The punting game

Iowa has a massive advantage going into this game at punter. Tory Taylor might be the best punter in the country, while Nebraska’s Brian Buschini has struggled this season. What can NU get out of Buschini today in the punting game, and can they limit Taylor’s impact?

KEY 3: Force two turnovers on defense

The Husker defense needs to force a couple of turnovers today against the Hawkeye, which ideally will set up some field position for scoring opportunities.

KEY 4: Finding points in the kicking game

Points will be at a premium against Iowa. NU must take them any way they can get them. A possession with 3 points will be significant. It probably won’t take more than 13 points to win this game.

KEY 5: Finish

We saw the Big Red jump up 14-0 last week at Wisconsin, but they failed to finish. Matt Rhule said last week all of these games are similar, and they typically come down to two or three moments. What will those moments be today, and can the Husker finish vs. the Hawkeyes?

EXPERT TAKE

Sean Callahan – HuskerOnline Pubisher

I like this match-up for Nebraska, mainly because unlike the last three losses, Iowa does not have a mobile quarterback. I think the Husker defense will get consistent pressure on quarterback Deacon Hill and force a couple of turnovers that will help them get their sixth win of 2023.

Nebraska 16, Iowa 13

Steven Sipple – HuskerOnline columnist

If you’re a Nebraska fan, a legitimate fear is Iowa punter Tory Taylor will be the difference in the game. His ability to pin opponents deep could make Nebraska feel like it’s playing uphill all day long. That can wear out a team mentally and physically. Bottom line, look for this one to go down to the wire – which isn’t exactly going out on a limb.

Iowa 15, Nebraska 13

Robin Washut – HuskerOnline senior writer

In terms of keeping its season alive, clinching a bowl berth, and sending its seniors out on top, everything is on the line for Nebraska today. Conversely, all that’s at risk for Iowa is a better final ranking and a chance for some revenge after last year’s loss to NU. This could be a situation where the Huskers come out tight while the Hawkeyes are free and loose. I think Nebraska channels the pressure into motivation and earns a signature win for Matt Rhule.

Nebraska 13, Iowa 11

Andy Kendeigh – KETV ABC-Omaha

The Huskers are playing for a bowl game,  which would be its first in seven years.  Iowa has the Big Ten West locked up.  Yes, the Hawkeyes want to win a 10th game for Kirk Ferentz, but win or lose Iowa is still headed to Indianapolis next week.  Defense and special teams win this, and Nebraska does just enough.   There’s a big difference between 5-7 and 6-6 and with a raucous home crowd behind them, the Huskers will win back-to-back Heroes Games for the first time since 2011-12. 

Nebraska 10, Iowa 9

Jim Rose – 1110 KFAB Radio-Omaha

Who really wants this win?  For years, I would say to myself, ‘the Huskers have a bowl bid on the line, this should be motivation enough.’  Then Iowa would win.   Last year, Trey Palmer treated the vaunted Hawkeye defense like the Salvation Army:  Very giving.  Everything worked pretty well last week against Wisconsin.  This week, they close the deal.    Hello Quick Lane Bowl! 

Nebraska 10, Iowa 6

Mike’l Severe – Big Red Wrap-Up

The fishy line of the week appeared Sunday morning when Iowa was only favored by 1.5, and then by the end of the day, Nebraska was a 1.5 favorite.

There should be plenty of rivalry motivation for both sides despite Iowa clinching the Big Ten West title. Still, I think Nebraska has a performance in them when positive regression affects turnovers, the return game and close games. I see the Huskers shutting down the Hawks’ run game and getting to Deacon Hill a lot, and hopefully stealing a possession on special teams.    

Nebraska 17, Iowa 10

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Sean Callahan can be reached at [email protected] and is heard daily at 6:45 am and 5:05 pm on Big Red Radio 1110 KFAB in Omaha during the football season. He can also be seen on KETV Channel 7 in Omaha during the fall, and each week, he appears on Nebraska Public Media’s Big Red Wrap-Up Tuesdays at 7 pm.