3 bold predictions for Nebraska football against Michigan State

After a non-conference schedule that didn’t feature a Power-4 opponent, many Nebraska football fans have held back their judgment on this team.

The Huskers have been impressive. They are 3-0 and have covered the spread in three consecutive games. Nebraska’s defense hasn’t allowed any points in the first half in the last two weeks.

Nebraska is 12/12 in the red zone. It is averaging 264 rushing yards per game and has gone over 200 rushing and passing yards in all three wins so far.

There isn’t much to complain about. However, if the Huskers fall flat on the road, that will all be forgotten. Matt Rhule has said this is his best Nebraska team.

The Huskers can start proving it Saturday. Here are three predictions for Nebraska vs. Michigan State.

Anthony Colandrea will have 300 total yards

Colandrea will have to run the ball a little more. He will this week. The Huskers haven’t activated him in the run game as much as they will during Big Ten Play.

Pat Fitzgerald has a backgroud of playing quarters. It will be interesting to see how much the Spartans crash their safeties into the box to stop the run. If they do, expect Colandrea to make them pay with Jacory Barney, Kwazi Gilmer, and Luke Lindenmeyer over the middle.

The running game will be solid. It won’t have over 200 like the past two weeks, but it will be enough that the Spartans can’t play deep all day, and Colandrea will make them pay.

Less than 100 yards rushing

The strength of Michigan State is probably the offensive line. It has 90 starts worth of experience. Cam Edwards (4.8 per carry) is the Spartans’ best offensive player. Alessio Milivojevic is an OK quarterback, but the pass-game options are limited, especially considering Nebraska’s cornerbacks.

Rodney Bullard has 12 receptions for 182 yards. He had two receptions for 66 yards last week, but Notre Dame held Milivojevic to 123 yards and two interceptions. This pass offense shouldn’t cause a problem for Nebraska. That should allow them to focus on stopping the run.

After last season, the defense should take defending the run personally, and the Blackshirts will keep MSU under 100 yards on the ground.

Another fast start for Nebraska football

The Huskers have averaged 22 points per game in the first half so far this season. Michigan State has averaged 15. They only scored seven points combined in the first quarter the past two weeks, though.

Rob Aurich will have some special things cooked up for the Nebraska defense. He will have the Michigan State QB confused, just like he had Jerry Kaminsky confused last week.

Nebraska’s offense will score multiple touchdowns in the first half, and the Huskers will be up at least two scores at the half.

Prediction: Nebraska 27, Michigan State 17 

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