Iowa at Nebraska: Keys to victory and HOL predictions

For just the third time since 1962 the Nebraska football team won't be headed to a bowl game. The only thing left for the Huskers to play for in 2017 is pride and the Heroes Trophy.

Nebraska (4-7, 3-5) will take on Iowa (6-5, 3-5) today in Lincoln, as the all-time Heroes Trophy series is tied at 3-3, with the Hawkeyes winning three of the last four meetings - including the last two games played in Lincoln.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are today's keys to victory for Nebraska against Iowa. The Huskers currently sit as a 3.5 point underdog for today's game in Memorial Stadium.

KEY 1: Find an offensive rhythm early

So much of the problems for Nebraska on offense have had to do with the Huskers simply not getting into a rhythm. NU needs to find a way early to get things going on offense, and they can't afford a run of three-and-out like we saw last week.

KEY 2: Limit Wadley on the ground

Iowa's rushing offense has been just as bad as Nebraska's this season. The Huskers rank 13th in the Big Ten, while the Hawkeyes are 12th at just 126.9 yards per game. Akrum Wadley was regarded as one of the top backs in the league heading into 2017, but has just 862 yards and six touchdowns on the season. NU needs to limit Wadley on the ground and force Iowa into more throwing situations.

KEY 3: Give Tanner Lee time

When Tanner Lee has time to make his reads, he's as good as any quarterback in the Big Ten. Nebraska's offensive line needs to give Lee a chance on Friday to make plays with his feet set.

KEY 4: The kicking game

I expect both offenses to have their struggles at times today, which means both the kicking and punting game will be very important today for the Huskers. Drew Brown needs to be consistent on his kickoffs and also take advantage of any scoring opportunities. Caleb Lightbourn also needs to be able to flip the field.

KEY 5: Play for Mike Riley

Nobody really needs to talk about what this game means in the big picture. It will most likely be Mike Riley's last game at Nebraska, and NU's players need to find a way to feed off that emotion and give him the sendoff he deserves.

Sean Callahan - HuskerOnline Publisher

I think the emotion of what is probably Mike Riley's final game at Nebraska, along with just getting Iowa at the right time will be enough for the Huskers to knock off the Hawkeyes and at least give Husker fans something positive to think about going into the off-season.

Nebraska 24, Iowa 22

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Robin Washut - HuskerOnline Senior Writer

As much as Nebraska’s players want to end this forgettable season on a high note and send their seniors and coaches out the right way, when it comes to the X’s and O’s, it’s hard to feel confident in the Huskers’ chances. Iowa will be as physical of a team NU has faced since Wisconsin, and with the Blackshirts getting worse by the game, I just can’t see them suddenly turning things around on a short week.

Iowa 31, Nebraska 20

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Nate Clouse - HuskerOnline Lead Recruiting Analyst

I have a good feeling about Nebraska’s match up with Iowa and am confident the Huskers will show up to play in its final game of the season. NU has nothing to lose and it may be the last game for many of the coaches so nothing will be off-limits. I may have the rose-colored glasses on here, but I think things click for NU on defense and offensively Tanner Lee and Stanley Morgan Jr. break some records to send Mike Riley and the senior class out winners.

Nebraska 28, Iowa 24

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Mike'l Severe - Omaha World Herald Bottom Line

Neither team has been able to run the ball this season with both teams ranking in the bottom 25 in yards per carry. Iowa has been better on defense in every major category and I expect Josey Jewell to have a big day. On the other hand Tanner Lee and JD Speilman or Stanley Morgan should combined to break some Nebraska records.

Iowa 26, Nebraska 20

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Andy Kendeigh - KETV Channel 7 Sports Director

Nebraska's defense has given up more than 900 yards rushing in the past 3 games, I am guessing Kirk Ferentz knows this. So Akrum Wadley better loosen up. However, goofy things happen in rivalry games and something tells me the Huskers do just enough to send Mike Riley out a winner as Drew Brown kicks the game winner at the gun.

Nebraska 30, Iowa 28