Jonathan Smith’s Spartans will be on the road for a second straight game in Week 6. They got a bye in Week 5, but the Spartans are now preparing for a big Michigan State vs. Nebraska matchup in Lincoln.
Obviously this is anything but a cakewalk for Michigan State. The Cornhuskers are also 3-1 on the year, but their one loss was at home to Michigan a couple of weeks ago.
Michigan State’s lone loss was a 45-31 shootout at No. 25 USC in Week 4. Both teams lost to ranked opponents and both are desperate to get back on track and avoid a losing streak and 0-2 mark in the Big Ten. That’s easier said than done, however.
Michigan State has Aidan Chiles leading the way after an impressive start to the season where he has over 1,000 total yards and 11 touchdowns with one pick. On the flip side, Nebraska is led by former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola. He, too, is off to a fantastic start, throwing for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns in the first four games. He’s not the running threat that Chiles is, but he has every bit of the arm.
This is going to be one heck of a quarterback battle.
What does Vegas think of the matchup? Well, it’s heavy on Nebraska.
Line: Nebraska -12.5
Over/under: 48.5
Moneyline: Nebraska -470 | Michigan State +360
Vegas isn’t giving Michigan State much of a shot here, but that’s not to say the Spartans can’t pull off the upset. Crazier things have happened, and this spread isn’t gospel.
Michigan State is going to keep things much closer than people expect. The Spartans will be within a score throughout the game, but Nebraska’s defense will make a stop on fourth down late in the fourth quarter with Chiles and the Spartans driving to seal the win.
Prediction: Michigan State 27, Nebraska 34