Michigan State vs. Nebraska: Final Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact & Predictions

The Michigan State Spartans, still celebrating after last week’s Hail Mary, will look to all but end the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Big Ten title hopes when they travel to Lincoln this Saturday.

The Spartans shocked the world, and the Wisconsin Badgers, last Saturday with their stunning 37-31 victory. It was not a perfect game by any means, as they blew a 14-point fourth quarter lead, but they did what they had to and got a little help from the heavens. Now they are in the driver’s seat in the Legends division.

The Cornhuskers had a hiccup three weeks ago, incidentally, at Wisconsin. But they have come back strong thanks to their own miracle win against Ohio State and destruction of Minnesota last weekend. They can’t afford another loss in the Big Ten if they want to make it to their first BCS game since 2001.

Where: Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska

When: Saturday, Oct. 29 at 12:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN; ESPN3.com

Spread: Nebraska (-4)

These two teams are so evenly matched and the only thing that could make a difference in this game is the home-field advantage, so the four-point spread sounds about right. If it were me setting the line, I would have started it with Nebraska as a two-point favorite but the difference is not worth getting bent out of shape over.

Over/Under: 49.5

That number actually seems a little high considering the fact that neither offense is very good, though they have been able to put up points against inferior competition.

Nebraska’s defense has not been as good as advertised, they allow over 25 points per game, and are without Jared Crick, their best defensive player, for the rest of the season, so the Spartans could put up more points than you think.

Since neither team is explosive, I would expect less than 49.5 points in this game.

Spartans Injury Report

Probable: LB William Gholston (Suspension)

Out: OT Skyler Burkland (Ankle), NT Antonio Jeremiah (Knee), S Jairus Jones (Achilles), G Zach Heuter (Shoulder)

Cornhuskers Injury Report

Out: DT Jared Crick (Pectoral Muscle), OL Jake Cotton (Knee)

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

Michigan State shot up the BCS rankings with their victory over Wisconsin, moving five spots to No. 11. They control their own destiny in the Legends division of the Big Ten. In fact, with a win in this game they will all but win the league unless they collapse in the final four weeks.

Nebraska, with a win in this game, will control its own destiny in the Legends division. They can’t afford another loss or else their conference title hopes are over.

This is a huge game in the Big Ten that will likely determine who is playing for the conference championship and, as a result, a shot at the Rose Bowl. The winner controls everything, while the loser is out.

Keys To Michigan State Victory

The only thing the Spartans do well is play defense—seventh in the country in points allowed (13.7)—and they are playing the right team to make them look good.

The offense has been inconsistent this season, but for the most part has stepped up when it has to. They did it last week against Wisconsin, but can’t afford to get behind because they don’t score quickly.

They shut down Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson two weeks ago, and Taylor Martinez is a poor man’s Robinson.

Containing Nebraska’s running game and playing smart, efficient offense will lead the Spartans to victory.

Keys To Nebraska Victory

The defense, which was supposed to be Nebraska’s bread and butter, has failed miserably this season. I know Jared Crick’s absence makes a difference, but apparently he was a one-man wrecking crew.

They have allowed at least 27 points in five of seven games. The only two teams that have yet to break that 27-point barrier are Chattanooga and Minnesota.

The offense is still bad. Taylor Martinez is a running back who happens to play quarterback, but he doesn’t do it in a good way. He is completing just 55 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and six interceptions.

They aren’t going to be able to throw the ball against Michigan State’s defense, so they have to hope that their offensive line can open holes for Martinez and Rex Burkhead.

Prediction

Nebraska is a different team when playing at home, but Michigan State is stronger overall and will win a close, physical game.

Michigan State 24, Nebraska 16