Three Keys to Victory for Michigan State’s First Big Ten Game

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The air is getting a bit more brash as every morning and evening brings another reminder that fall is quickly approaching.

Though the midday skies still flourish with bright sunshine and provide a reminder of the summer festivities, the days are beginning and ending with a much harsher reminder that fall weather is on its way.

Football is here, and with every passing weekend, the colder temperatures take over and fill the mind with memories of pumpkin picking, hay rides and scary decorations.

As the weather goes from warm and inviting to frigid, the Spartans kick off Big Ten football — a tradition that, to many, is more celebrated than any of the fall holidays that fill so much of the calendar.

As Big Ten play begins, Michigan State will look to pull off an upset win that could prove to be formative for the Spartans' season and potentially foreshadow what is still to come.

The Spartans do not have a schedule that eliminates their bowl-game aspirations. In fact, Nebraska comes into Saturday's matchup as the third-hardest game remaining on Michigan State's schedule.

The Spartans might not be in a must-win scenario, but losing the opening Big Ten game has happened five times over the past 10 years, and in each of those five seasons, Michigan State failed to make a bowl game.

So, how can Michigan State earn the upset win at home on Saturday and potentially keep its bowl-game aspirations alive?

Here are three keys to a major victory.

1. Create Pressure on Anthony Colandrea

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been ripping the ball this season, but the teams he has faced have not exactly been the most spectacular competition and have struggled to put up much of a fight.

As a result, Colandrea has looked nearly impervious to a pass rush.

But as Spartan fans know, an offense can look phenomenal right up until it comes in contact with a top-tier defense.

I'm not comparing Michigan State's defense to Notre Dame's defense, but the Spartans have shown a higher defensive ceiling than teams such as Bowling Green and North Dakota.

Michigan State needs to bring heavy pressure and allow players like Kenny Soares and Anelu Lafaele to make an impact on the outside.

That will require defensive coordinator Joe Rossi to dial up high-level pressure from the secondary and create blitz packages that Colandrea may not be prepared to handle.

If the Spartans can make Colandrea uncomfortable early, Nebraska's offense could look much different than it has through the first three games.

2. Stop the Nebraska Rushing Attack

Yes, ultimately, my top two keys to victory are about playing great defense.

But let me explain.

Nebraska running back Jamal Rule, who sits among the top three in the Big Ten in rushing yards through three games, has been a force with the ball in his hands.

Averaging more than eight yards per rushing attempt, Rule can take Nebraska's offense and elevate it to an entirely different level. That is something we have seen through the first three games of the season.

Michigan State's linebackers need to continue filling the gaps the way they have all season.

If the Spartans' rush defense can continue to excel and force the Cornhuskers into passing situations, Rossi can begin dialing up pressure and putting Colandrea in uncomfortable situations.

It all starts with stopping the run.

3. Return to Rushing the Football

Michigan State essentially abandoned the rushing attack last week when it found itself down by two or three possessions, which ultimately turned out to be the wrong move.

Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan tried to find different ways to run the football, including bringing in backup quarterback Cam Fancher, but ultimately recognized that running the ball was not going to keep the Spartans in the game.

That led to Michigan State falling heavily into the passing game early and often, resulting in quarterback Alessio Milivojevic taking more punishment behind the line of scrimmage than he had all season.

Nebraska has been stout against opposing rushing attacks, but there was evidence in Week One against Ohio that the Cornhuskers can be beaten on the ground.

Ohio's Nick Poulos averaged seven yards per carry, rushing 10 times for 70 yards and a touchdown. It was also the only game this season in which an opponent has scored more than seven points against Nebraska.

Michigan State needs to find a way to establish the run and remain committed to it.

The Spartans are underdogs, but they cannot play like underdogs.

Michigan State will need to show confidence in its offense and its scheme, which relies heavily on running back Cam Edwards. If the Spartans can establish the rushing attack, create pressure defensively and force Nebraska into uncomfortable situations, they could give themselves a legitimate chance to pull off the upset in Spartan Stadium.

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