Michigan State vs. Nebraska: the 5 Best Under-the-Radar Players in This Game

The Michigan State Spartans are on an unbelievable run that includes back-to-back wins over Michigan and Wisconsin. If they hope to extend that streak to three games, they will have to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

This is a battle between two of the top teams in the Big Ten and, although they have several players that are nationally recognized, the successful season could be attributed to the play of the under-the-radar players on each team.

Here is a look at the five best under-the-radar players in this matchup.

Michigan State Defensive End William Gholston

Sophomore defensive end William Gholston may be known for his suspension after punching a Michigan player, but he is part of a very talented front four for the Spartans.

Gholston grabbed two personal fouls against Michigan and had to sit out against Wisconsin, but he will be back for this game. He has a knack for filling the gaps up front and playing aggressive defense.

Although sometimes his temper gets the best of him, he is an under-the-radar-player who deserves attention.

Nebraska Running Back Rex Burkhead

The Cornhuskers are at their best when the running game is working. That falls on the broad shoulders of junior running back Rex Burkhead.

Burkhead is not a household name, but he is 17th nationally averaging 107 rushing yards per game and 10 touchdowns. He refuses to slow down on the ground and averages 5.8 yards per carry this season.

Going up against a bruising Spartans defense, this could be the under-the-radar-player who makes the biggest impact.

Michigan State Wide Receiver B.J. Cunningham

Kirk Cousins is successful because of the play of his top target, B.J. Cunningham. Cunningham has already nabbed 48 catches for over 700 yards and he is as clutch as it gets.

He ranks in the top 20 nationally with an average of over six catches and 100 yards per game. The Nebraska defense will have to keep an eye on Cunningham or this under-the-radar-player will have a big day.

Nebraska Kicker Brett Maher

In potentially close games like this one, special teams are very important. With that in mind, junior kicker Brett Maher should get some notice as an under-the-radar player who could make a difference on the field today.

Maher was recently named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation's top kicker. Maher is nearly perfect on the season, nailing 13 of 16 attempts. He can drill the long kick and is already responsible for two field goals over 50 yards this season.

Maher has ice in his veins and can kick the game-winner in this game.

Michigan State Quarterback Kirk Cousins

In a conference that prides itself on strong running games and stout defenses, the quarterback can be often overlooked.

The Spartans' Kirk Cousins may not be as flashy as Taylor Martinez, but he is consistent. Cousins provides senior leadership on the field and keeps this team calm in tense situations.

He has completed 67 percent of his passes on the season and has thrown 11 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He may not be as mobile as some of the other signal-callers in the conference, but he is still one of the best under-the-radar players in this game.

James Brown is a B/R Featured Columnist. Feel free to contact James at [e-mail], follow him on Twitter