After consecutive massive wins in East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans head to Lincoln for a huge match-up with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Al Dannity breaks down the biggest remaining regular season game in the Big Ten.
The ultimate test The Spartans went off the radar after their September defeat in South Bend. They kept racking up awesome stats on defense but only savvy College Betting fans knew what they were capable of. Well the secret is out now after two phenomenal performances in conference play. First came the demolition of Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines. Then last Saturday, East Lansing saw another Heisman campaign and perfect season ended. The Wisconsin Badgers and Russell Wilson proved a much sterner challenge but the Spartans stood tall. Now it’s time to take the show on the road. In Lincoln we will learn what the Spartans are truly capable of achieving.
Resurrecting the Huskers The Cornhuskers had a rather different experience against Wisconsin. Nebraska’s first foray into Big Ten play say them routed by the Badgers in Camp Randall. Time however can heal most wounds. First there was that heroic comeback to beat the Buckeyes. That was followed by a confidence boosting victory over Minnesota.
It’s far too soon to say if the Huskers are fully recovered from that Wisconsin game but Taylor Martinez appears to have regained most of his mojo. Martinez however has yet to prove himself against a defense of note. The Huskers’ quarterback faces the same test fellow dual-threat star Denard Robinson failed; finding a hole in the Spartan defense.
The verdict In my Power Rankings on Monday, I predicted Michigan State would go to a BCS Bowl no matter what happens against Nebraska. I stand over that. Even a two-loss Spartans team would be more appealing this year, and that part really is crucial, than a Nebraska. That’s because a win for the Huskers would likely see them stare down another beat-down against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game.
Fortunately I don’t think State will need to worry about such a scenario. The Spartans have built up a ton of momentum in the past two weeks. Nothing Nebraska have done since losing to Wisconsin makes me think the Huskers can beat the Michigan State defense. It should be close but I like the Spartans to get on the fast-track to the Big Ten Championship Game with a win in Lincoln.
