Keys To Victory: Nebraska vs Michigan State

Nebraska caps off a perfect non-conference slate with their victory over North Dakota. But now, it’s time for Big Ten play. What are the keys to victory for the Huskers to earn a win over Michigan State in Spartan Stadium?

In the first two games, Nebraska’s offense showed its explosiveness, putting up 49 points against the Ohio Bobcats and 56 points against Bowling Green. The Huskers continued their ascent against North Dakota largely thanks to quarterback Anthony Colandrea. He drove the Big Red offense down the field on the first drive, and capped it off with a rushing touchdown. And in the fourth quarter, Colandrea threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Quinn Clark. Can he keep it up in Big Ten play? He has been elite thus far. As it stands, Colandrea ranks 15th nationally in passing touchdowns and is 24th in passing efficiency. He’s also the top-graded quarterback in PFF.  Will this change in a new environment?  Nebraska will face its first road test of the season next Saturday against Michigan State. If not, the Huskers’ running backs should be able to provide relief. Over three games, Jamal Rule has already rushed for 329 yards and five touchdowns. Mekhi Nelson has also been effective for the Huskers with 166 yards and one touchdown. Nebraska should be able to use multiple running backs to their advantage in East Lansing.

The Blackshirts struggled in their first game of the season against Ohio. Rob Aurich’s defense surrendered 21 points against the Bobcats. This included a 68-yard pass play on the first play. Nebraska’s defense tightened up against Bowling Green the next week. Quarterback Jay Kastantin only passed for 84 yards, and the Falcons were held to just 85 rushing yards on the day. The matchup against North Dakota was a similar story. The only difference was that Nebraska’s defensive line was effective in getting to the quarterback. Jerry Kaminski was sacked a total of five times in Memorial Stadium. The Huskers also consistently generated negative plays. All told, the Huskers had six tackles for loss for 53 yards. Nebraska needs to show that it can bring that same energy on the road. Michigan State quarterback Alessio Millivojevic will be looking to redeem himself after his performance against Notre Dame. This should worry Nebraska. However, it shouldn’t completely discourage the Cornhuskers. Notre Dame’s defense shut Michigan State’s offense down in the second half. This gives the Huskers the blueprint they need to try to control the game in Spartan Stadium.

In just one season at Nebraska, Mike Ekeler transformed the Cornhuskers special teams unit. The program reached the top 10 in blocked kicks and punt return defense. Kenneth Williams and Jacory Barney also received All-Big Ten recognition. Brett Maher’s special teams haven’t reached similar heights. With Williams’ departure to Michigan State, the Huskers don’t have a returner that they can rely on. Throughout the first three games of the 2026 season, Barney has shown that he can make defenders on kickoff returns. But he hasn’t been able to use this to create enough space to make an impact. The junior needs to try to make an impact in East Lansing. The Huskers also need to limit unnecessary holding penalties. Nebraska’s infractions have given the Huskers bad field position on many drives this season.

Can Nebraska stop Cam Edwards? In three games, the senior from Connecticut has over 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns.  He also led the Big Ten in rushing and averaged 125 yards per game. Notre Dame’s defense was able to hold him to just 38 yards in South Bend. This bodes well for Rob Aurich’s defense, as the Blackshirts have improved their run defense in each game. They will have to put together another strong performance in East Lansing. We should expect Owen Chambliss to lead the charge on Saturday. The senior linebacker had six tackles and a sack against North Dakota. The duo of Andrew Marshall and Donovan Jones will also look to continue their strong play in the secondary.  According to Pro Football Focus, Jones is the nation’s top cornerback with an impact grade of 95. Marshall comes in behind him with an impact grade of 92. This ranks him as the seventh-best in the country.

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