The 5-0 Wolverines will try to avoid coming out emotionally flat in the Week 6 Michigan at Nebraska matchup. UM has risen to #9 in the AP Top 25 after last week’s 38-17 win over Wisconsin as +2 point underdogs. That was the first true test of the year for Jim Harbaugh’s squad, and it was also their first road game of the season.
Nebraska (3-3) is ready for a showdown at home on Saturday night after they demolished Northwestern 56-7 last week as -11 point home favorites. The Cornhuskers have one of the better offenses in the country and a dual threat QB the likes of which Michigan has not encountered this season.
Michigan Possibly Overrated?
Michigan’s win last week in Madison was impressive, but along those same lines the Badgers are just 1-3 and having their worst start since the 1990s. The Wolverines’ other signature victory this year was 31-10 win over Washington in week 2 as -6.5 favorites. The Huskies are also just 2-3 this year.
Aside from the Wisconsin and Washington wins, UM has beaten Western Michigan as a -16.5 favorite, NIU as -26.5, and Rutgers just 20-13 as -20 point favorites. We still have to give the Wolverines credit for last week’s performance though, and holding the Badgers to 43 yards rushing on 32 carries is something you just don’t see very often.
The 17 points given up to the Badgers was a season high for Michigan, so their defense is performing at an elite level this year. What really has Harbaugh optimistic is the Wolverines offense though, as they are 2nd in the Big Ten putting up 39.8 ppg. Michigan has the top rushing attack in the B1G, with Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins already accounting for a combined 13 rush TDs.
Nebraska Used to Playing Top Talent
The Cornhuskers are kicking themselves for the 30-22 loss at Illinois in the opener. That was a classic case of looking past an inferior team, and even QB Adrian Martinez’ 343 all purpose yards couldn’t will Nebraska to victory.
Even though Nebraska is 3-3, the Illinois game really is their only blemish. The Corhnuskers have also lost 23-16 at #6 Oklahoma and 23-20 in OT at #11 Michigan State. That’s two close road games against two tough teams so let’s see what Nebraska can do against a ranked team but playing in Lincoln.
Martinez is the key in the week 6 Michigan at Nebraska pick just like he will be every week for the Cornhuskers. His game against Illinois featured 232 yards through the air and another 111 on the ground and last week vs. Northwestern the ‘Huskers QB had 3 TD runs by the end of the first quarter. Martinez also ran for 3 scores and had 1 passing combined in the Michigan State and Oklahoma losses so he can produce against quality teams as well.
Free Week 6 Michigan at Nebraska Pick
Nebraska’s triple option attack presents a daunting challenge for the Michigan defense, and so does playing a conference road game two weeks in a row after playing the first four games of the season in Ann Arbor. 59% of the public likes the Wolverines and that measly -2.5 number looks attractive for the #9 team in the nation – some would say too attractive.
Nebraska 26 – Michigan 23
Free Pick: Nebraska +2.5
