Michigan State Nebraska Betting: Nebraska Faces Major Moment Against Michigan State
The Michigan State Spartans lead the Big Ten Legends Division entering October 29. The Nebraska Cornhuskers must knock off the Spartans in order to change this divisional race.
Michigan State Spartans @ Nebraska Cornhuskers - Saturday, October 29
Sports betting line: Nebraska -4
Why Michigan State Will Win
The college football betting experts who study the Big Ten Conference would probably say that this Michigan State team isn't as consistent as last year's club was. Coach Mark Dantonio's Spartans really had just one bad game in their 2010 regular season, a face-plant at Iowa in which nothing went right. For the rest of last season, MSU was on point at every turn. Does this mean that the 2011 team isn't as good? Yes. Does this mean, however, that the Spartans will be at a competitive disadvantage when they face Nebraska this weekend? No.
The Spartans might be inconsistent on offense, but their defense has been dependable throughout the season. Even though Sparty conceded 31 points to Wisconsin this past weekend, it contained Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, who is far more skilled than Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez. Michigan State's defense weathered the storm against the Badgers' powerful offense in the first quarter and then locked down the Badgers for most of the game's middle two quarters. Moreover, MSU mounted that successful stand against Wisconsin without William Gholston, a fierce pass rusher who was suspended for the game due to punches he threw in a game against Michigan on Oct. 15. Michigan State is a superb defensive team, and since Nebraska has an offense that is much more one-dimensional than Wisconsin's, MSU should be able to contain the Cornhuskers for most of the day. As long as Sparty doesn't commit multiple turnovers - particularly in the red zone or in other key situations - it should be able to stay close and put itself in a very good position when the fourth quarter rolls around. This might not be an overpowering team, but it continues to find ways to win at crunch time. If Nebraska can't forge a substantial advantage in the first three quarters, trust Sparty to take charge at the end.
Why Nebraska Will Win
When you do your homework and assess your sports bet on this game, you need to realize that Nebraska has to be a more confident team than it was in the earlier stages of October. The Cornhuskers had been whacked by Wisconsin, 48-17, and they then fell behind Ohio State in the third quarter of and October 8 game, 27-6. The outlook was bleak for a team that was rapidly losing its will, its mental fortitude, and its sense of identity. Then, however, everything changed.
The Huskers found a way to get off the deck and rally for a stirring 34-27 win, the largest comeback in Nebraska's storied football history. Now, coach Bo Pelini shouldn't have to worry about motivation. His team can know that it can take a punch and answer. Moreover, Nebraska is playing a Michigan State team that is very inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball. The Spartans might have scored 37 points last week against Wisconsin, but 14 of those points came from the defensive and special teams units. In MSU's previous win against Michigan, the Spartans needed a pick-six to finish a victory. As long as Nebraska doesn't turn the ball over, it will force Michigan State to mount long scoring drives, and that's been a problem for Sparty this season. One can very easily imagine a scenario in which Nebraska forces more turnovers than it commits, which will enable the Huskers to win this game.
Who Will Win
Nebraska is the more desperate team, since it is chasing Michigan State in the standings. Moreover, the Huskers get this game at home and they get it early - an 11:05 a.m. local time kickoff. It's doubtful that Michigan State will play a cleaner, better game. Take Nebraska.
College Football Betting Pick: Nebraska
