Michigan State vs. Nebraska: 5 Half Time Adjustments for the Spartans

Michigan State and Nebraska meet as conference rivals for the first time today with Legends Division supremacy on the line.   So far this game has been a defensive slugfest.  It seems like whichever team can find their stride on offense in the second half will walk out of Memorial Stadium with the W and an inside track to the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game. 

Here are five adjustments the Spartans need to make in the second half to lock up the win:

Good Decisions from Cousins

If it’s not there, tuck and run.  Kirk Cousins was not at the top of his game in the first half.   More than a few times he has turned his WRs into DBs by forcing balls into tight windows and double coverage.  Look for him to audible to a more methodical approach to the passing game in the second half. 

A Passer's Chance

The usually stout Blackshirts have had a down year in 2011 ranking 70  in the country against the run.  Unfortunately for the Spartans, they have looked like the Huskers of old so far today.  If Michigan State is going to escape Lincoln with a win, they are going to need to establish the run and get the Huskers’ safeties cheating up to set up the vertical game. 

Run Defense/Field Position

The Spartans D has kept them in this game so far.  Despite excellent field position in each of their first three drives the Huskers only managed 10 points.  State’s fearsome front four will have to keep it up to give Cousins and the offense some time to find their stride.

Hit a Home Run

Try as he may, Cousins was unable to connect on any deep balls in the first half.  The Spartans are going to hit on an unable to hit on at least one big play in the second half if they are going to stay in this thing.

If Dantonio and Cousins know what’s good for them they will start attacking the middle of the field and put the onus on the WRs to turn mid-length throws into big plays with yards after the catch.

Lullaby Baby

So far the Spartans’ D has done a great job keeping the Memorial Stadium faithful out of the game on a cold day in Lincoln.  They will be well served to keep things boring in the second half.  The last thing the Spartans need is the Huskers’ 12  man to get involved.