Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Michigan State

Nebraska's first Big Ten game has shaped up to be a real test for both opponents. The Huskers are headed to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans.

For the Huskers, it's their first real indication of whether they can take the next step. For the Spartans, it's their first Big Ten game under coach Pat Fitzgerald after falling to No. 3 Notre Dame.

Though Michigan State lost 27-10, the Fighting Irish controlled the game from the opening play. On offense, the Spartans managed only 167 total yards. On defense, they surrendered 395 yards and allowed Notre Dame to hold possession of the ball for over 37 minutes.

Alessio Milivojevic threw for Michigan State, completing 9 of 17 passes for 123 yards and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times, bringing his season total up to nine. But those numbers don't tell the whole story of what Milivojevic can do against Nebraska's defense.

On the season, Milivojevic is still 47-of-71 for 540 passing yards. Plus, if you take the sacks out of the equation, he's up to 54 rushing yards on 12 carries. Those numbers aren't spectacular, but for Nebraska's defense, that can be just enough. The Huskers are still vulnerable to a mobile quarterback, so if Milivojevic stays alive in the pocket for too long, Michigan State can do some damage.

Cam Edwards is also another aspect of the Spartans' offense that can be dangerous for the Blackshirts. Though Edwards didn't find much success against Notre Dame, running for just 38 yards on 12 carries, he can still challenge Nebraska's run defense. He posted 152 yards on 21 carries against Eastern Michigan and is up to 288 yards on 60 attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

So far, Nebraska's been holding firm against the run, allowing just under 108 rushing yards on just under 34 carries per game for just over three yards per carry. Part of that is from quarterbacks, but Edwards can still help Michigan State control time of possession if needed.

On the other side of the ball, Nebraska's offense can do a lot. CJ Carr finished 18-of-24 for 234 yards, and Nolan James Jr. posted 121 rushing yards on 21 carries for Notre Dame. Though the Spartans found some success at times against the Fighting Irish, allowing these numbers still presents opportunities for the Huskers.

Anthony Colandrea is averaging around 18-of-26 for 231 passing yards per game, providing a strong aerial attack. However, Nebraska is averaging 263 rushing yards on just over 40 carries per game. Jamal Rule is also doing some damage as a true freshman running back. He's averaging around 110 yards on 13 carries per game.

These numbers give the Huskers a chance to challenge a Michigan State defense that allows 113 rushing yards and just under 183 passing yards per game. The Spartans are also without one of its key linebackers, Brady Pretzlaff, who leads the team with 17 tackles, another factor in Nebraska's offense versus Michigan State's defense.

But compared to Notre Dame in South Bend on a Saturday night, Nebraska's first road game on a Saturday afternoon gives the Spartans a slight advantage. Another aspect that will make this game close is penalty trouble. Nebraska is averaging just under seven penalties for just under 60 yards per game. Michigan State, meanwhile, averages just over three penalties for 35 yards. That can give life to the Spartans while hurting the Huskers.

Pat Fitzgerald will bring physicality, discipline, and a mission to control the clock. But Nebraska also has a chip on its shoulder this season, and it needs to overcome that mentality. That won't happen in just one Big Ten game, but the Huskers should still walk away with a much-needed win.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 31, Michigan State 20

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Michigan State