Preview: #19 Nebraska vs. #10 Michigan State

Date: 10/4/14

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Television: ABC (National)

Spread: Michigan State -7

Players to Watch

Ameer Abdullah, Running Back (Nebraska)

Abdullah is the catalyst of the Cornhusker offense, currently leading in the nation in rushing with 833 yards, and has scored 10 touchdowns this season. He’s small in stature, standing only 5’9”, but he is incredibly elusive, and can break open a game anytime he touches the ball.

Randy Gregory, Defensive End (Nebraska)

Gregory is viewed by many as a potential Top-15 pick when the 2015 NFL Draft rolls around, and there is a lot to like about him. He has great size and length, and plays with mean streak. He is aggressive and relentless in his pass rush. He is still raw in his technique, and has a lot to learn, but he can still dominate at the college level with his pure talent level.

Connor Cook, Quarterback (Michigan State)

Cook is a prototypical, pocket passer. He has shown improvement from last season, especially in his accuracy and is more of a contributor in the offense, rather than a simple “game manager.” So far this season, he has completed nearly 70-percent of his passes and has thrown for nine touchdowns.

Shilique Calhoun, Defensive End (Michigan State)

Calhoun, like Gregory, is viewed highly by many to be one of the top pass rushers in this upcoming draft class. He is a heavier end, but still has a ton of length. He plays with more power than Gregory, but with less speed. However, this doesn’t make him any less disruptive. He is not as much of a pass rusher, but is dominant in the running game.

Nebraska’s Offense vs Michigan State’s Defense

Pat Narduzzi is one of the best defensive coordinators in college football, and had a strong gameplan when they faced another offense with a strong running game and mobile quarterback this season, containing Oregon for over a half of football, until Marcus Mariota was able to break the game open.

Tommy Armstrong isn’t the same passer that Mariota is, and Nebraska’s offense leans much heavier on the run, as they don’t pose the same threat as an aerial attack. Michigan State’s front seven plays great run defense, so this will be a fun matchup to watch, as the Spartans try to contain Armstrong and Abdullah.

Michigan State’s Offense vs Nebraska’s Defense

Michigan State runs a pro-style offense, that features a balance of passing and rushing. Jeremy Langford has rushed well this season for the Spartans, averaging over five yards per carry. He is a downhill runner that is a perfect fit for the scheme. And Cook has succeeded in the passing game, taking advantage of his throwing lanes and completing 70-percent of his passes.

Nebraska’s key focus will need to be slowing down Langford, and forcing the Spartans to be one-dimensional. When their offense is in rhythm, they are tough to slow down, so taking away their running game is paramount. However, Cook has shown ability to carry the offense, so it will still be a long day for the Cornhusker defense.

Game Preview

Nebraska has a strong offensive game plan, with talented ball carriers, but unfortunately for them, it plays into Michigan State’s strengths as a defensive unit.

Meanwhile, Michigan State has a very balanced offense, and Nebraska does not have the necessary talent at all levels of the field, to stop the offense. If they stop Langford, Cook has shown the potential to be the focal point of an offense. If they stop the passing attack, Michigan State can revert to rushing the ball with their big, aggressive offensive line and left Langford and backup Nick Hill carry the ball all game.

Either way, Michigan State is the favorite.

Implications

This is Michigan State’s opening conference game, so it will be necessary they get off to a quick start in B1G play. Also, despite the loss to Oregon earlier this season, they are still ranked in the Top-10, so they are in good position to be in the playoff hunt.

Nebraska has started this season 5-0, and won their conference opener. They are in a weaker division of the conference, but don’t want to suffer too many losses, as they still have to compete with Wisconsin for a bid in the Conference Championship.

Final Prediction

Nebraska-  13 vs. Michigan State- 27