No. 19 Nebraska @ No. 10 Michigan State (-9) TV: ABC 8:00pm Saturday
Daniel: Despite a few shaky moments, Nebraska had held serve so far this season on its way to a 5-0 start. The trip to East Lansing this weekend will be far far the Cornhuskers’ biggest challenge so far, however. The ‘Huskers – led by running back Ameer Abdullah – have a strong rushing attack that averages almost 7.0 yards per carry. But Michigan State knows how to stop the run. The Spartans, despite facing Oregon, still have allowed less than 3.0 yards per carry this season. MSU’s Connor Cook is an underrated quarterback nationally. If he can get protection from Nebraska sack-master Randy Gregory, MSU should be fine. Winner: MSU 27-20
Houston: If Michigan State hadn’t had to play on the road at Oregon so early in the year, I think we are talking about them as a potential playoff team. Traveling to Autzen in week two proved to be an extremely tough task, but, luckily for the Spartans, it was early. I like Michigan State to win a lot of football games this year and be back in the playoff hunt when all is said and done. I think their defense will carry the day in this one by limiting Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah and pressuring Husker quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. into mistakes. I expect Connor Cook to have a solid day passing the ball and I think he hits a play-action deep ball or two for the Spartans in this one. Winner: Sparty 30-20
Reed: Bo Pelini, who lived on the hot seat the past few seasons, has seemingly coached his way off the hot seat and a win this weekend would buy him a ton of equity. Michigan State was my preseason pick to win the Big 10 and they absolutely cannot drop this game if they hope to reach that goal. The Spartans actually played pretty well in a loss to Oregon early this season before the game got away from them late. They’re too good to lose at home to Nebraska. Winner: Spartans 35-21
Chad: Taking Michigan State at home. The Spartans may not be the team we saw last year but they are every bit as physical and talented. Nebraska on the other hand is looking for redemption after the 41-28 drumming they took last year. Nebraska will try to test this Spartan defense early on in the running attack with Ameer Abdullah but the Huskers will be facing a defense that’s only giving up a little over 78 yards per game rushing. The Huskers are 7-1 all-time in this series and I’m going against them. Winner: MSU: 42-21
