Through 3 Quarters
Their last head-to-head November of 2018 was close, and so far it looks like that’s how the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Michigan State Spartans will finish this one. Nebraska and MSU are deadlocked at 13-13 after three quarters, promising an exciting conclusion. QB Adrian Martinez has led the way so far for the Cornhuskers, as he has accumulated 160 passing yards in addition to rushing for one TD and 69 yards.
Nebraska is struggling to protect the pocket and have allowed five sacks. They are going to have to protect the QB better if they want any shot at winning this contest.
Who’s Playing
Nebraska @ No. 20 Michigan State
Current Records: Nebraska 2-2; Michigan State 3-0
What to Know
A Big Ten battle is on tap between the Michigan State Spartans and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 7 p.m. ET Saturday at Spartan Stadium. If the 9-6 final from the last time they met is any indication, this contest will be decided by the defense.
MSU’s game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes last week was close at halftime, but the Spartans turned on the heat in the second half with 28 points. MSU was the clear victor by a 38-17 margin over Miami (FL). Among those leading the charge for MSU was RB Kenneth Walker III, who picked up 172 yards on the ground on 27 carries in addition to snatching one receiving TD.
MSU’s defense was a presence as well, as it collected two interceptions and two fumbles. Those interceptions were spread across their defensive unit.
Meanwhile, Nebraska came up short against the Oklahoma Sooners last week, falling 23-16. The losing side was boosted by QB Adrian Martinez, who passed for one TD and 282 yards on 25 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 34 yards.
The Spartans are the favorite in this one, with an expected 3.5-point margin of victory. If their 2-0 record against the spread is anything to go by, the prospects look good for bets placed on them.
MSU’s win brought them up to 3-0 while Nebraska’s loss pulled them down to 2-2. A couple defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: MSU is stumbling into the matchup with the 193rd most passing yards allowed per game in the nation, having given up 269.3 on average. Nebraska has experienced some struggles of their own as they are 138th worst in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game, with 156.3 on average. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, Michigan
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $19.50
Odds
The Spartans are a 3.5-point favorite against the Cornhuskers, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Spartans as a 4-point favorite.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Nebraska have won both of the games they’ve played against Michigan State in the last seven years.
- Nov 17, 2018 – Nebraska 9 vs. Michigan State 6
- Nov 07, 2015 – Nebraska 39 vs. Michigan State 38
