Black Friday isn’t just about shopping – it’s also about heated college football rivalry games. There are some exciting games on the schedule, but two really grab my attention from a betting perspective.
Nebraska aims to build off last week’s impressive win over Wisconsin as underdogs against Iowa, while brutal weather conditions in Minneapolis could impact scoring between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Let’s dive into the Black Friday CFB schedule and break down our expert predictions for today’s action.
In the Black Friday college football odds, Nebraska is now a 3.5-point underdog against Iowa after opening around +5.5. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin vs Minnesota total is among the lowest on the board at 41 total points.
Now, let’s break down our Black Friday college football predictions for these games with serious betting value.
Fresh off securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016, Nebraska enters the Heroes Game with serious momentum.
The Cornhuskers dominated Wisconsin 44-25 last week behind freshman QB Dylan Raiola’s breakout performance (293 yards passing).
The betting market has taken notice, with this line dropping from Iowa -5.5 to -3.5. That movement suggests sharp money believes in the Huskers, and for good reason.
Nebraska’s defense ranks 18th nationally against the run, which matches up well against an Iowa offense that relies heavily on establishing RB Kaleb Johnson.
History is on Nebraska’s side, too. The underdog has covered six straight times in this rivalry, while the Huskers are 4-2 ATS in their last six against Iowa. Last season, the Huskers actually outgained the Hawkeyes in a narrow three-point defeat.
With their defense playing lights out and the offense finally clicking, Nebraska isn’t just a solid bet to cover – they might walk out of Iowa City with the Heroes Trophy. Grab the generous 3.5 points in what should be another Nebraska-Iowa showdown decided by a field goal.
Wisconsin vs Minnesota Prediction
Bundle up for this one. The weather forecast in Minneapolis calls for 22-degree temperatures and winds approaching 17 mph – conditions that scream under. But the elements aren’t the only factor pointing toward a low-scoring affair in this rivalry clash.
Both offenses have been struggling mightily. Wisconsin ranks 96th nationally in scoring (24.0 PPG), while Minnesota’s attack has been even more anemic. The Golden Gophers have recorded just seven scrimmage plays of 30+ yards this season – dead last in the FBS.
Minnesota’s defense should feast in these conditions. They’re allowing just 18.5 PPG (top-15 nationally) and have been absolute ball hawks with 20 takeaways. They’ve also shut down explosive plays better than almost anyone, ranking fifth nationally in that category.
The market agrees with us here, as this total has already dipped from 44.5 to 41. But there’s still meat on the bone. Neither offense has shown they can move the ball consistently, and this weather isn’t going to help. Grab the under in what should be a proper old-school Big Ten slugfest.
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