Michigan State down two starters for Big Ten opener vs Nebraska

EAST LANSING – Michigan State football will be without two starters when it faces Nebraska in its Big Ten opener Saturday, Sept. 26.

Cornerback Tyran Chappell moved from questionable to out on the final pregame injury report, joining starting linebacker Brady Pretzlaff, fullback Jay Cone and defensive end Cal Thrush among the regulars who will be missing for the 5 p.m. kickoff (BTN).

Wide receiver KK Smith, who had been listed as questionable, is no longer on the report and appears to be available.

Chappell, who started the past two games, likely will be replaced at cornerback by Charles Brantley. Brantley started the opener against Toledo opposite Tre Bell. Either Dion Crawford or Caleb Wheatland are likely to join starter Jordan Hall at linebacker in place of Pretzlaff, who has started all three games.

Others who are out for MSU (2-1) include tight end Joe Caudill, offensive tackle Eli Bickel, offensive lineman Tristan Comer and safety Eliyjah Caldwell.

The Cornhuskers (3-0) have defensive back Rex Guthrie listed as a game-time decision.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State down two starters for Big Ten opener vs Nebraska