There are several spots on Tuesday’s loaded slate where you have a home team desperate to solidify its footing with a quality win, yet we know not all of these narrative edges are going to come home. Iowa has become far too reliant on Bennett Stirtz as an offensive creator and while he’s gone for 19-plus points in every game since Jan. 1 the Hawkeyes are 7-5 in that span and with many of the wins coming against teams that rate near the bottom of the Big Ten. Nebraska’s defense could be subject to some scheme-centric sets from Ben McCollum that can find success, but over 40 minutes I think the difference in depth and quality between these two teams gives the Cornhuskers an edge.

Iowa has won the last three meetings against Nebraska, but has been on a two-game losing streak and has failed to cover its last three. Nebraska has three losses this season, all to the three best teams in the Big Ten: Purdue, Illinois, and Michigan. Iowa is 8th in the conference with eight wins so far, but those wins have come against second-tier Big Ten teams. Nebraska has proved that it is worthy of being a first-class tiered Big Ten squad. Their defense only allows 39.8% shooting, and offensively, they are fourth nationally in assists-to-turnover ratio (1.95). Total team effort. Nebraska averages 79.4 points and is 6-1 on the road. Iowa is outclassed in this game. Nebraska wins.