Michigan vs. Nebraska game preview, prediction: Who wins, and why?

What to watch for as Michigan and Nebraska meet in Week 5 college football action along with our latest game predictions

Two cross-division rivals in the Big Ten square off this weekend in the Midwest as unranked and 2-2 Nebraska looks to avoid falling under .500 in Matt Rhule's debut season against undefeated, conference champion, and No. 2 ranked Michigan in college football's Week 5 action on Saturday.

Rankings: AP | Coaches | ESPN

What can we expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Michigan and Nebraska meet this week, along with our latest game predictions.

Michigan vs. Nebraska preview, prediction

Michigan vs. Nebraska picks, predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 30
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: Fox network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Michigan vs. Nebraska game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Michigan -16.5
Total: 38.5 points
Moneyline: UM -1205 | NU +600
FPI pick: Michigan 87.5% to win

What to watch for

1. Old school football. Nebraska has been running a lot of I-formation and triple option looks recently, thanks in part to a lack of depth at wide receiver. Huskers QB Henrich Haarberg, tailback Anthony Grant, and fullback Barrett Liebentritt are competent threats on the ground. NU ran for 312 yards last week and Michigan will have to be disciplined at the line and especially contain the quarterback, a task that gets harder as tackle Mason Smith is likely out with a hand injury.

2. Battle at the line. Nebraska is 2nd nationally allowing an average of only 46.5 rushing yards per game from opponents and is 3rd surrendering 1.8 yards per carry. Michigan has run the ball with authority the last two years, but could stand to get more consistent production from Donovan Edwards, so far posting just 3.3 ypc and is yet to score. The line, college football's best the last 2 years, needs to show it can open up more lanes against quality opposition.

3. Turnover battle. Michigan likely doesn't need to win this phase in order to win the game, but it helps. Nebraska has just 1 turnover the last 2 games, but had 7 against Power Five teams the first 2 weeks. Michigan is 81st in the country with 1.3 takeaways per game, but can decisively throw the game in its favor by ensuring it holds onto the ball and prevents the Cornhuskers from mounting long drives and bleeding the clock.

Michigan vs. Nebraska prediction

Nebraska plays a strong game on both lines of scrimmage, has the capacity to stop opposing backs, and is gaining some momentum on the ground. But the Wolverines are more dominant when stopping the run and is also No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. 

Haarberg will throw Michigan's tacklers out of sorts early as it's always hard to perfectly contain that kind of mobile quarterback, and despite the Wolverines' slow starts this season, they have the firepower to open deeper throwing lanes and prevent the Cornhuskers from churning out consistent yardage as the game wears on.

College Football HQ predicts...

• Michigan wins 31-16
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the over

More: Michigan vs. Nebraska score prediction by CFB computers

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