The Nebraska Cornhuskers toured for the first time in 2024 after suffering their first loss of the season in a disappointing 31-24 overtime loss to No. 19 Illinois in their 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers face a struggling Purdue team looking to gain some momentum after consecutive losses to Notre Dame and Oregon State.

The Husker Max And Nebraska Cornhuskers SI The crew makes their predictions. The average score is 34-16.

Last week’s best prediction for Nebraska vs. Illinois was from Joe Hudson with a 24:17 win for the Huskers. That was a total of 14 points fewer than Illinois’ actual 31-24 win.

*Indicates how close the prediction is to the previous week and how many “wins” were achieved in the season.

The why

Austin Jacobsen: A Get Right Game in West Lafayette is perfect for a Nebraska team that is still on track and heading in the right direction. Purdue makes things interesting by waking up the Huskers early, but Raiola proves to be too much. Nebraska wins and covers despite a late point from the Boilermakers.

Eric Hess: Both teams will have a lot of success with the ball, but Nebraska has a QB who will make more big plays when needed.

Josh Petersen: Nebraska calms the situation with their most complete game of the year. The running game gets going and one of the WRs ends up taking an INT and making a big catch.

ThotDoc: The Huskers bounce back from their ugly loss with a big road win. This Purdue club isn’t as pass-happy as it has been in the past and is actually more than passing. They’ve also been hurt on the ground, so expect the Huskers to emphasize the run, which will open up opportunities for a few deep shots through the air.

Cole Stukenholtz: The running game gets on track, the Blackshirts commit two turnovers and the Huskers win their first road game of 2024.

Jay Stockwell: The Huskers will bounce back strongly after this week’s defensive soul-searching. SMQ expects the regression to be a one-time event and the Huskers will learn from their mistakes.

Middle-aged ball trainer: Purdue struggled to stop the attack on defense. If Nebraska can take the lead, everything else is open to some explosive plays.

Tad Stryker: The Blackshirts will struggle to recapture the energy and effectiveness they brought to the Colorado game. They will have to fight to keep Purdue’s offense in check, but will make a crucial interception late to secure a win by one point.

Chris Fort: Purdue hits Nebraska in the mouth with a 1-2 punch from Mockabee and Love, but the Blackshirts bow out while Raiola and Co. do their thing.

For more predictions, visit HuskerMax.com.

MORE: McMaster’s key to the game: Nebraska football at Purdue

MORE: Big Ten Game of the Week: No. 9 Penn State vs. No. 19 Illinois

MORE: Nebraska lost its first close game of the season… How concerning is that?

MORE: Week 5 college football matchups to watch + playoff tiers and predictions

MORE: Alcohol sales coming to Memorial Stadium, Devaney if Board of Regents approves

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers on SIsubscribe HuskerMax on YouTubeand to visit HuskerMax.com daily.