Iowa vs. Nebraska: Game details, live stream, TV info and more
Previewing the Big Ten matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers.
In a matchup that has become a bit of a Black Friday tradition, the Iowa Hawkeyes will travel to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, this will be the last Black Friday game between these two teams for a while, as the Big Ten has scheduled the matchup for earlier in the season over the next few years.
Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten back in 2011, they have faced Iowa eight times. Iowa has won five of those eight games, including all four of the most recent games. Simply put, the Hawkeyes have had Nebraska’s number in recent years and appear to be the better team, at least on paper.
The 17th ranked Hawkeyes are 8-3 on the year, and while they are not in the conversation for a Big Ten championship, they are a solid football team that can compete against anybody. They are led by a strong defensive unit that has shown the ability to come in and shut down anybody.
Iowa is only allowing 12.2 points per game this season, the fifth-fewest in FBS college football. The Hawkeyes defense is led by defensive end A.J. Epenesa, who is a likely first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Epenesa has turned his game up in recent weeks, piling up sacks and tackles for loss with ease.
He is a dominant defensive lineman who is nearly unblockable at times. Nebraska is not exactly loaded on the offensive line and will likely have a tough time keeping Epenesa in check.
This Hawkeye defense as a whole is tough and will be a big-time test for Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez. While Martinez has obvious talent at the quarterback position, he struggles with consistency. Martinez and his top target, wide receiver JD Spielman, must have big games if Nebraska is going to have a chance in this one.
Nathan Stanley leads the Iowa offense from the quarterback position. Stanley is a decent senior quarterback who is extremely unlikely to make a big mistake that will cost his team. That being said, he is an extremely inconsistent and erratic player who will miss many throws. Nebraska’s defense is not overly intimidating, but I would not expect a huge game out of Stanley.
When the Hawkeyes have the ball, I will have my eye on freshman running back Tyler Goodson. Goodson enters this game with an ankle injury, but he is expected to suit up for the Hawkeyes. The freshman back has taken over as Iowa’s starting running back in recent weeks and has shown an impressive overall skill-set. Goodson is quick to the hole and shows impressive burst. He is elusive in the open field and even shows a bit of power at the point of contact. Keep an eye on this guy.
Iowa vs. Nebraska Game Details
Date: Friday, November 29, 2019
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
Location: Lincoln, NE
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: FOX Sports GO
Betting Line (via The Action Network): Iowa -4.5
Can the Hawkeyes make it five in a row in this matchup or will Nebraska take care of business and come up with the upset on their home turf?