2016 Episode 9: The Trap Game/Northwestern

Nebraska is coming off what could be the biggest win of the Mike Riley era. The Huskers are ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2014. The fan base is excited; the team has confidence. So it's natural to look at this week's game against Northwestern as a trap!

In this Husker Doc Talk Podcast presented by The Rimington Trophy, Dr. Rob Zatechka, and Travis Justice talk about the trap game which is even worse for Dr. Rob because the Huskers are wearing the "alternative" all-white uniforms. Speaking of the alternative uniform's, make sure to get your gear at Husker Hounds! Now with three locations in Omaha, Husker Hounds is the best place to get your classic and alternative Husker gear.

Historically Nebraska and Northwestern have played very close games. Four of the last five games have been decided by three points or less since Nebraska joined the Big 10 Conference. The Huskers have NEVER lost in Evanston as a member of the Big 10.

If you are wondering how you should bet on the game, we get our information from Nebraska native and now longtime Vegas handicapper Scott Spreitzer who gives us the following nuggets to chew on:

Nebraska 11-3 ATS in last 14 road games.

Mike Riley coached teams:  13-3 ATS against teams that allow opponents to complete at least 62% of their passes.  Northwestern has allowed 83 of 126, 66% completion rate thus far.

Mike Riley coached teams are 9-1 ATS on the road against teams that average no more than 3.25 yards per carry.  Northwestern fits the bill there, also.  Riley's teams outscored the ten opponents by an average of 32-16.

Northwestern 7-16 ATS last 23 home.  In fact, NW is 4-13 ATS at home against teams that outscore their opp's by at least 10 ppg on average.  Nebraska's average margin of victory is 24 ppg.

Trap game? Depends on how you look at it. As the conference season gets started, it's safe to say that the Huskers appear to be in the driver's seat for the Big 10 West Division.

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