Here’s how Michigan State football can pull off the upset in a challenging road matchup against Nebraska on Oct. 4.
This will be a key game for both teams as they look to secure their first win in the Big Ten conference. Nebraska is listed as 11.5 point favorites but this game could be closer than what Vegas predicts.
Recommended Videos
Ground Game
The Spartans will have to impose their physical style of play if they expect to keep this game competitive. Michigan State’s preferred style of offense is to dominate the run game and control time of possession.
The Spartans average 154 rush yards per game while the Cornhuskers are ranked 108th in the nation in run defense, allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game.
The Spartans’ deep running back room, stout offensive front and mobile quarterback Aidan Chiles could present problems for the Nebraska defense which allows just 13.5 points per game.
Even though they’re one of the best overall defenses in the country, Nebraska struggles against the run and those issues are further exacerbated when facing a mobile quarterback.
The Cornhuskers allowed 202 rushing yards in their week one matchup against Cincinnati with 96 of those yards coming from quarterback Brendan Sorsby. The Bearcats’ two touchdowns came from Sorsby runs.
In week four against Michigan, Nebraska allowed 286 rushing yards with 61 of those yards coming from quarterback Bryce Underwood. The Wolverines’ three rushing touchdowns came from three different ball carriers.
Chiles is a capable runner who is better than his numbers suggest due to taking several sacks. Chiles is at his best when he can utilize his dual-threat abilities to find holes in the defense. He will need to be on his game if the Spartans are to pull off the upset.
Explosive Passing Plays
The Cornhuskers however are the number pass defense in the nation, allowing just 75.8 yards per game. The Spartans need to have success on the ground if they are to have any success in the air. A consistent ground attack can open up opportunities for big plays through the air.
It’s asking a lot for the Spartans to have a great day passing the ball but if the offense is able to complete some explosive plays through the air, it could allow the Spartans to gain a rhythm and stay in the game.
Opportunistic Defense
The Spartans have a tall task facing a Cornhuskers offense that averages 351.8 passing yards per game. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has thrown 11 passing touchdowns and only one interception this season with a rating of 171.7.
Michigan State’s pass defense is among the worst in the country, allowing 263.5 yards per game.
Nebraska also has a decent rushing attack, averaging 144.8 rushing yards per game but it is not the focal point of the offense.
The strategy for the Spartans defense is to stop the run, get pressure on the quarterback and force turnovers. Expect to see more blitzes than usual in an effort to pressure the quarterback and force mistakes.
It’s unlikely the Spartans will completely shutdown the Cornhuskers’ offense but if they can offer some resistance and force turnovers, it could allow the Spartans to be competitive in this game.
Michigan State will face Nebraska on the road Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4:00 P.M.