Week 1 of college football is kicking off with a historic clash between Nebraska and Cincinnati! Both teams are hungry for a win, but who will dominate the field? SportsLine’s expert, known for an incredible 12-2 run on Nebraska picks, has revealed his surprising prediction. Find out which team he’s backing and why!

The highly anticipated 2025 college football season kicks off with a compelling Week 1 matchup, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bearcats. This Thursday night showdown, held at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., pits two programs eager to make a strong opening statement and build crucial early momentum after challenging campaigns in 2024. Fans and `college football betting` enthusiasts alike are keenly watching this intersectional clash.

Both teams concluded their 2024 seasons with similar struggles, highlighting the urgency for a positive start. The Bearcats, finishing 5-7 overall and tied for 11th in the Big 12 with a 3-6 record, ended the year on a five-game losing streak. The Cornhuskers, who went 7-6 overall and tied for 12th in the Big Ten at 3-6, also stumbled down the stretch, losing five of their last six regular season games, indicating a shared need for redemption.

The betting lines reflect Nebraska as the favorite, with the Cornhuskers opening as 6.5-point favorites against Cincinnati. The over-under for total points scored is set at 51.5, suggesting a moderately high-scoring affair. On the money line, Nebraska holds a -240 advantage, while Cincinnati sits as a +195 underdog, offering attractive `NCAAF odds` for those backing the upset. Historically, these teams have met only once, with Nebraska securing a dominant 41-0 victory way back in 1906, a fact that holds little bearing on today’s contest.

Adding a layer of expert insight to this crucial game is SportsLine’s Matt Severance, a seasoned writer and high-volume handicapper with extensive experience in the industry since 2005. Severance has developed a keen understanding of Nebraska football, evidenced by his remarkable 12-2 record on his last 14 picks involving the Cornhuskers, generating an impressive +1080 return for those following his `expert college football picks`.

Nebraska’s offensive efforts will heavily rely on junior running back Anthony Grant, a pivotal returning player. In 2024, Grant was the team’s second-leading rusher, carrying the ball 117 times for 598 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, and scoring one touchdown. His versatility extends to the passing game, where he also hauled in 39 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns, proving a dynamic threat. The Cornhuskers also boasted a strong 4-0 against the spread (ATS) record in non-conference play last season, a trend `sports betting tips` might consider.

Across the field, Cincinnati features senior running back Corey Kiner as a key offensive weapon. Kiner, who previously played two years at Ohio State, had a highly efficient 2024 season, rushing 56 times for 418 yards, an impressive 7.5 yards per carry, and finding the end zone six times. Notably, four of his touchdowns were for at least 55 yards or longer, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. He also contributed five catches for 100 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception, highlighting his big-play potential for the Bearcats.

Severance has meticulously analyzed the Nebraska vs. Cincinnati matchup, offering his informed perspective. While he is leaning towards the under on the total points, he emphasizes that a “critical X-factor” makes one side of the spread a compelling football prediction. His detailed breakdown promises to provide crucial guidance for anyone looking to navigate the complex CFB predictions and betting lines for this intriguing Week 1 contest.

This opening weekend clash is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for both Nebraska and Cincinnati to set the tone for their respective seasons. For the Cornhuskers, a win could signify a turning point in their program’s trajectory, while for the Bearcats, an upset victory would be a significant statement as they aim to improve their standing in the Big 12. The insights of a proven handicapper like Matt Severance can be invaluable in dissecting such pivotal early-season encounters.