3 bold predictions for Nebraska football against Michigan State

Nebraska football will host Michigan State on Saturday in a crucial game for the Huskers. They are 11.5-point favorites, and frankly, it feels like a game Matt Rhule can’t afford to lose.

It was one thing to lose to Michigan. The Wolverines have been one of the elite programs in the Big Ten. That loss was more understandable. A loss to Michigan State and second-year head coach Jonathan Smith won’t be.

The Spartans are 3-1. They are coming off a 45-31 loss against USC. Michigan State is similar to Nebraska in that both programs are trying to secure signature wins and prove they belong among the top half of the conference.

The winner of this game will be 4-1 and 1-1 in the Big Ten. The loser will be 3-2 and 0-2. That is a massive difference, and here are three bold predictions for Nebraska football vs. Michigan State.

Dylan Raiola throws for 300 again

Dylan Raiola has thrown for over 300 yards in two of four games this season. Despite facing an onslaught of pressure against Michigan (33 pressures), he completed 30-of-41 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

Raiola said he needs to be better at getting the ball out. The Huskers also need to push the ball down the field more. One thing that should help is better pass protection. Elijah Pritchett is expected to start at left tackle, via Sean Callahan of Husker Online.

If he can avoid the simple mistakes, Pritchett is the best pass blocker on the team. He was projected by some as a first-round pick back in the spring for a reason.

Michigan State allows 264 passing yards per game. The Spartans only have six sacks in four games, and there just isn’t much to worry about when it comes to MSU’s defense.

Raiola will throw for over 300 yards and 2-3 touchdowns again for the second week in a row.

Emmett Johnson has 150 total yards

There has been a lot of conversation about Nebraska football’s backup running back. Rhule said the Huskers have a “plan for RB2.” Dana Holgorsen even said we would see something “we haven’t seen.”

I have no idea what that means. However, by the end of Saturday’s game, the running back Nebraska football fans will be talking about is Emmett Johnson.

Johnson had 108 rushing yards against Cincinnati. He rushed for 65 yards on 19 attempts against Michigan. Yet, Michigan is a different animal. The Spartans have allowed 4.3 yards per attempt to opponents this season.

Johnson will have about 50 yards receiving and right around 100 yards rushing for the Huskers in one of his best games as a Nebraska football player.

Dasan McCullough has two sacks

The former Oklahoma/Indiana transfer has been one of the best additions from the transfer portal for the Huskers, with four tackles for loss and three sacks in four games.

McCullough notched the only sack for Nebraska against Michigan. Yet, it’s clear what Nebraska saw in his pass-rush ability. Michigan State will have to deal with McCullough on Saturday, and the Spartans will have to tackle that challenge without starting left tackle Stanton Ramil.

Redshirt freshman Rustin Young is expected to get the start. The Spartans have allowed 10 sacks in four games, and for my money, McCullough gets to Chiles twice on Saturday.

Score prediction: Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27

The Spartans will cover the spread, barely, but Nebraska football will total nearly 500 yards of total offense in a double-digit win.

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