Wind is blowing 12 MPH south-south-east. There’s a possibility of wind gusts in-between 20-30 MPHs. Both teams will rely heavily on the run, especially if the wind does what's expected. A lot of new players for both teams and Nebraska begins their new era with Matt Rhule.

I like Nebraska at +7.5 or better. There have been numerous changes on both teams, but I have confidence that Matt Ruhle will ensure his team is prepared for this significant conference game to kick off the season. Jeff Sims, a dual-threat QB who transferred from Georgia Tech, will be an excellent addition to the Nebraska squad. In contrast, Minnesota is adjusting to a new offensive coordinator and the replacement of 14 starters. According to my simulations, the spread should be -5 in favor of Minnesota.

Minnesota would have the correct rating for this number if last season's 9-4 squad had its RB and three offensive linemen return that was 16th in the nation rushing (210 ypg). But they’re gone, the offensive coordinator is gone, and 14 starting players are gone. That’s a lot to replace making their opening rating too uncertain. This number is too high. Matt Ruhle will have this Nebraska squad pumped up for his debut game. I’m on Nebraska to cover.

Matt Rhule proved he meant business soon after inking in Lincoln when luring electric Georgia Tech QB Jeff Sims in the portal. Meanwhile, keep in mind that even when PJ Fleck was rowing the boat successfully in recent years, he’s never had it easy against the Huskers, with wins the last three years each by only seven points. The Gophers are moving forward minus recent linchpins QB Tanner Morgan and RB Mo Ibrahim. Big Ten sources aren't convinced Fleck, at least at the moment, has as many oars in the water as before. Note that Rhule was 11-3 ATS in his last 14 as an underdog at Baylor, while Fleck was just 2-5 ATS as chalk a year ago.

Matt Rhule falmed out with the Carolina Panthers, but his reputation for restoring college programs, as he did at Baylor and Temple, should serve him well at a Nebraska outfit that is desperate for a winner. Dual-threat QB Jeff SIms, a transfer from Georgia Tech, should make a huge difference for the Huskers. The Gophers have many key pieces back from last years nine-win team and their top-10 defense. They should win the battle in the trenches, but Nebraska should keep this competitive and beat this key number.