Keys to victory, result predictions

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Nebraska travels to Indiana as the Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0) and Huskers (5-1, 2-1) come off a bye week.

No. 16/18 IU is 6-0 as a program for the first time since 1967, while NU is ranked in October for the first time since 2016.

As kickoff approaches, here are today's keys to Nebraska's win over Indiana. The Hoosiers are currently 6.5 point favorites over the Huskers. Today's game is just around the corner 11 a.m. kickoff on FOX.

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KEY TO WIN: Nebraska vs. Indiana

KEY 1: Find a running game

A big key for Nebraska's offense is increasing efficiency in the running game. The Huskers need to find more explosive plays in the 10- to 25-yard range than the 3- to 7-yard running plays they've thrived on for most of this season.

KEY 2: Discipline in defense

Indiana will test the discipline of the Blackshirt defense with the various run-pass option plays. The Huskers have to play their keys and not get off balance.

KEY 3: Dylan Raiola's downfield reads

We know QB Dylan Raiola has a big arm. That's an advantage for Nebraska heading into this game. You have to take advantage of it and score a goal with a few shots on the field.

KEY 4: Dominate the defensive line

NU's defensive line is another advantage the Huskers have in this game. Nebraska needs to win on early losses and take advantage of its defensive line. You can't keep them on the field and allow them to get tired. This allowed Illinois to take control of the game.

KEY 5: Play like the underdog

In this game, all the pressure is on Indiana. It's been a lovefest for the Hoosiers this week with their 6-0 start. Nebraska needs to put its head down like the underdog and just go to work. If they keep this approach, good things will happen.

EXPERT TAKES

Sean Callahan – HuskerOnline Publisher

On paper, Nebraska has more talent than Indiana and an advantage on the defensive line. The Blackshirts will find their way forward, and Dylan Raiola has a big day, leading the Huskers to a win in Bloomington.

Nebraska 31, Indiana 27

Steven Sipple – HuskerOnline columnist

Holding Indiana to 21 points will require an elite-level performance, but the Blackshirts appear to be on the rise and the Hoosiers haven't seen anything that comes close to the talent of Tony White's squad. Meanwhile, NU's offense should be able to put up 24 points – yes, including a made field goal.

Nebraska 24, Indiana 21

Robin Washut – senior writer at HuskerOnline

Today is the ultimate proof game for Nebraska and Indiana. For the Huskers, it's an opportunity to re-establish themselves in the CFP conversation while ending their ugly bowl drought and Top 25 loss. For the Hoosiers, this is one of the biggest games in the program's recent history and could make them a legitimate playoff contender. Perhaps the most important X-factor will be which team handles this pressure best. When it comes down to it, I believe NU will prove many doubters wrong in Bloomington.

Nebraska 34, Indiana 31

Andy Kendeigh – KETV ABC-Omaha

Score first, score often. Nebraska outscored its first six opponents 38-17 in the first quarter and a remarkable 58-3 in the second quarter. Watch out as the Huskers take an early lead. Indiana hasn't trailed yet this season. Keep the Hoosiers on their heels and the Big Red can punch their ticket to bowl eligibility.

Nebraska 27, Indiana 20

Jim Rose – 1110 KFAB Radio-Omaha

Biggest game at IU in 57 years – this was last fall when the Hoosiers won the Big Ten and played in the Rose Bowl. I wonder how many of these guys (that are still around) thought they would be the LAST IU team to start 6-0? Here's the mirage: The Hoosiers were really good, but against very average competition. So what do they have other than confidence and approval that's big? Still, I think the Blackshirts are on a different level than anyone else in the league. And nothing hurts a home field advantage more than a stifling defense. If IU doesn't hit the Huskers with chunk plays – as far as points go, that goes to the REAL Big Red.

Nebraska 31, Indiana 17

Microphone'l Severe – Big Red Wrap-Up

As bad as Indiana's schedule looks on paper, they have still exceeded expectations. IU ranks in the top 3 EPA Schedule-Adjusted Offenses in the country and is in the top 10 in preventing catastrophic offenses. I think the game comes down to how Dylan Raiola handles the pressure rate of top 20 IU. So far this season, this has been Raiola's kryptonite, with his completion rate when throwing from a crowded pocket dropping from 73% to 46%. IUs QB Kurtis Rourke had several turnover plays. I think NU forces a few turnovers and that will lead to a Husker win if they are more successful on finishing drives. NU ranks 108th in finishing drives and averages just 3.2 points per scoring opportunity.

Nebraska 34, Indiana 27

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Sean Callahan can be reached at (email protected) and can be heard daily 6:45 a.m. and 5:05 p.m To Big red radio 1110 KFAB in Omaha during football season. He can also be seen on KETV Channel 7 in Omaha in the fall and appears weekly at Nebraska Public Media Big red abstract Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

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