Purdue Boilermakers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds, College Football Pick

The Nebraska Cornhuskers began this season unranked. Now, after a 6-0 start, including a 4-1-1 run against the spread, they find themselves one of four Big Ten teams in the Top 10. Nebraska stands an excellent chance of reaching 7-0 when it hosts Purdue on Saturday afternoon in Lincoln. 

Point spread: The Cornhuskers opened as 23.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 35.8-4.6 Cornhuskers (College football picks on every game)

Why the Purdue Boilermakers can cover the spread

Purdue got a jolt this week with the firing of head coach Darrell Hazell following last week's 49-35 homecoming loss to Iowa. Perhaps interim head coach Gerad Parker can instill some enthusiasm into this program, at least temporarily.

The Boilermakers fell down to the Hawkeyes last week 21-0 after one quarter and 35-7 at the half, scrapped back to within 42-28 and within striking distance of the spread (+11) with six minutes left in the game and had the ball near midfield. But a pick-six killed any chance of a backdoor cover.

On the day, the Boilers racked up 505 yards of offense, as quarterback David Blough threw for 458 yards and five touchdowns. Of course, a lot of that came in comeback mode.

Two weeks ago, the Boilers scored late to force overtime at Illinois, then they won with a fumble recovery on defense and a J.D. Dellinger field goal. In fact, Purdue has alternated wins and losses all season long, to the tune of a 3-3 mark. So if form holds, the Boilers should pull an upset this week, right?

Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers can cover the spread

Nebraska remained unbeaten last week, avoiding the upset bid of Indiana with a 27-22 victory in Bloomington. The Cornhuskers jumped out to a 17-0 lead on the Hoosiers 11 minutes into the game, allowed Indiana to pull within 24-22 midway through the fourth quarter but iced the victory with a 15-play drive that resulted in a field goal. That not only left Indiana with less than a minute to work with, but it allowed them to cover the spread as four-point favorites.

On the day, Nebraska only produced 360 yards of offense, but it held the Hoosiers to just 333 and won time of possession by a 33-27 margin. Toss in earlier victories over Northwestern and Illinois, and the Cornhuskers are 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in Big Ten play.

Smart pick

Nebraska is averaging 220 yards per game on the ground, while Purdue is allowing 264 yards per game rushing. If the Cornhuskers play a full four quarters and don't let up when they get the Boilers down, they should cash in.

Betting trends

Nebraska is 7-0 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games.

Purdue is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games against teams with winning records.

Purdue is 5-1 ATS in its last six games on the road.

All college football betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.