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Week 9: Michigan State vs. Nebraska Preview & Free Pick

Michigan St. vs Nebraska

The Big Ten Legends Division race is shaping up to be extremely competitive. The game of the year in this division comes this weekend when the red hot Spartans of Michigan State travel to Lincoln to take on the Big Ten’s newest member, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Both teams have one loss, but Michigan State’s loss came out of conference. Nebraska looks to get the upper hand in the Legends Division, while Michigan State looks to build off their huge win at home over Wisconsin.

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Michigan State vs. Nebraska
Memorial Stadium
Saturday October 29, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Nebraska -4 (-110) Michigan State +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 49.5

This should be a great game.

Not many people expected Michigan State to knock off Wisconsin last weekend, myself included. Wisconsin certainly made some critical mistakes, but the Spartans deserve a ton of credit for showing up and beating a Wisconsin team that has looked like one of the nation’s best teams all year. Michigan State has now beaten Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in three consecutive games. Mark Dantonio is trying to turn Michigan State into a perennial contender in the Big Ten.

Kirk Cousins had a magnificent game last week against Wisconsin. Cousins threw three touchdowns and no interceptions while leading his team to a huge win. Cousins is completing 66% of his passes so far this year. Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell form a nice tailback tandem for Michigan State. While the offense has been solid, it has been the Michigan State defense that has led the way this year. The Spartans rank second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is the anchor in the middle of the defensive line, and the secondary is terrific as well. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Nebraska hasn’t looked like the national title contender that some thought they could be, but the Cornhuskers have only lost one game. The team is still right in the thick of the Big Ten race, and this is a great chance for them to pick up a big win at home against a top ten opponent. Taylor Martinez burst onto the scene as a star freshman quarterback last year, and he has had another solid season in 2011. Martinez still struggles with his consistency when throwing the football, but he is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of football. Rex Burkhead is a tough runner who really battles for every yard. He is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry this season. The Cornhuskers have the seventh best rushing offense in the nation, but there passing attack is often non-existent.

The primary reason Nebraska has looked a little bit underwhelming this year has been the poor play of their defense. Jared Crick is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The front seven has been giving up far too many yards on the ground, and they will be tested in this game by a solid Michigan State running game. Nebraska’s defense must improve if this team is going to win a Big Ten title.

Michigan State is coming off a big win against Wisconsin, but this will be the best team they have played on the road this year. I expect Nebraska to bring their best effort on Saturday.

Free College Football Pick: Nebraska -4
Score Prediction: Nebraska 27 Michigan State 21

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By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.