BCS Rankings: Nebraska Shakes Up Big Ten Race by Demolishing Michigan State

For the second week in a row, Michigan State found itself in the middle of a sea change in the Big Ten, though this time in a 24-3 loss at Nebraska.

The Spartans, No. 11 in the BCS rankings, followed up their thrilling 37-31 win over Wisconsin with an equally disappointing effort against the Cornhuskers. The Blackshirts held Sparty to 187 total yards of offense, including a measly 86 yards passing by senior quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The game plan was simple for Big Red—bludgeon Michigan State with a relentless ground attack. The Huskers ran 58 times among 71 offensive plays, and came up with 190 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Rex Burkhead logged 35 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns of his own, with another 27-yard touchdown catch for good measure.

The win puts No. 14 Nebraska, in the midst of its inaugural season in the Big Ten, back in the mix to claim the Legends Division and earn a berth to the conference championship game in Indianapolis. The Huskers join the Spartans and No. 18 Michigan in a virtual tie atop the division.

As such, Nebraska will control its own destiny, albeit with a tough slate to finish out the season. Bo Pelini's boys will stay in Lincoln to face Northwestern next Saturday before hitting the road against No. 19 Penn State and Michigan, and closing the 2011 campaign with Iowa on Senior Day.

In the bigger BCS picture, Nebraska's win essentially eliminates the Big Ten in its entirety from the national championship hunt. Michigan State had been the conference's last and best hope to compete for the crystal football, but once again succumbed to offensive ineptitude away from East Lansing.

The Huskers would've been in the picture had it not been for a blowout loss to No. 15 Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium on the first day of October. Granted, Taylor Martinez and company could very well sneak back into the race if they win out and some of the teams currently ahead of them in the BCS standings pick up a loss or two.

Realistically, though, the Big Ten will probably have to "settle" with sending its champion to the Rose Bowl. Chances are, Nebraska wouldn't mind earning a team-wide trip to Pasadena in its first season since departing the crumbling Big 12 for greener pastures.