Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) slides during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., Dec. 28, 2024.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Cincinnati Bearcats open their seasons Thursday in the Battle Sports Kansas City Classic at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA football odds around the Nebraska vs. Cincinnati odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.

Neither team is ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

The Huskers and third-year coach Matt Rhule enter a pivotal season for the program. They went 7-6 last year and won the Pinstripe Bowl but have their sights set above eye level in '25. Sophomore QB Dylan Raiola returns after completing 67.1% of his passes for 2,819 yards, 13 TDs and 11 INTs. He was sacked 27 times, and that has to improve. He had a strong showing to end the year going 22-for-30 for 224 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT in the bowl game.

The Bearcats roared out of the gates last year at 5-2 but whimpered down the stretch, losing 5 straight games. QB Brendan Sorsby returns after completing 64% of his passes for 2,813 yards, 18 TDs and 7 INTs. He also rushed for 9 TDs. If he builds off of that, he could open some eyes of NFL scouts. He has the frame for it at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds.

– US LBM Coaches Poll - Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Nebraska vs. Cincinnati odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Nebraska -235 (bet $235 to win $100) | Cincinnati +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska -6.5 (-115) | Cincinnati +6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Nebraska vs. Cincinnati and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 31, Cincinnati 24

Moneyline

Raiola showed some signs as a true freshman last year and has made some waves on social media as his resemblance is being compared to Patrick Mahomes. I look for his play to move in that direction this year. The Cornhuskers shored up their offensive line and receiving corps as WR Dane Key comes over after a 47-715-2 season with Kentucky last year. The senior is a big target at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and will be tough to handle.

I like Nebraska here, but -250 is far too rich to run with. These QBs are going to air it out, and I love BRENDAN SORSBY OVER 215.5 PASSING YARDS (-115).

Against the spread

LEAN NEBRASKA -6.5 (-115). I am pegging it to win by 7, so be wary of this one.

Over/Under

As mentioned, I look for both offenses to light it up through the air. The OVER 51.5 (-115) is very hittable unless one of these QBs lays an egg and we see a run-dominant matchup.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Ryan Dodson, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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