Nebraska vs Michigan: Cornhuskers Will Keep Big Ten Hopes Alive vs. Wolverines

By the time Saturday's Nebraska vs. Michigan game is over, the Big Ten Legends division title could be clinched. 

Michigan State is 5-1, a game ahead of both Nebraska and Michigan. The Spartans are in a game that they will likely win and win big, at home versus Indiana. If they win that game and the Wolverines beat the Cornhuskers, then the division is clinched, as Michigan State's win over Michigan would give them the tiebreaker even if they lost the last game and Michigan won its finale.

But if Nebraska beats the Wolverines, then they are a game behind the Spartans with one more to play. If Nebraska beats Michigan and wins their finale vs. Iowa, then Michigan State will need to win out to win the division, as the Cornhuskers defeated the Spartans when the two teams met.

I do believe that Michigan State will run the table, making Saturday's game moot as it relates to the division standings. But when Saturday's play is over, nothing will be clinched. Nebraska will go into the Big House and beat the Wolverines.

Michigan has just not played well enough this season for me to have any confidence that they will beat Nebraska, even at home. 

The Wolverines' best win this year came against Notre Dame. 

A few things need to be said about that game:

Especially when it was played, Notre Dame could not get out of its own way

They have been inconsistent all year, but beat themselves on a routine basis earlier in the season. And even considering that, note this:

Michigan was lucky to win that game

Other than that, they have beaten weaker opponents all season, or lost when they were presented with a tough game. 

Nebraska could certainly also be called overrated, but note that they beat Ohio State, Michigan State, and Penn State.

Denard Robinson is just too inconsistent against truly good teams. He's a fantastic scrambling quarterback, but can't seem to hit any passes with any kind of accuracy.

That kind of play just won't work against Nebraska. 

Taylor Martinez is far from perfect, but I like him to go into Michigan and lead his team to a win. The rushing of Rex Burkhead will also make a huge difference. 

Nebraska's defense is far from a flawless unit, but they have the kind of play makers to give Robinson a very difficult day.

Don't expect a terribly pretty game here, but look for Nebraska to prevail but a nice margin.

Prediction: Nebraska 26, Michigan 17