10.27.2011 / The Huskers hope to play spoiler to the Spartan and take over the Legends Division. Posting by Greg Sharpe, The Voice of the Huskers.
It is hard to overstate the importance of this weeks Nebraska football game. When Michigan State answered last Saturday nights call with a Hail Mary against Wisconsin, the Spartans were the only undefeated team left in the Legends Division of the Big 10. No one would have believed that the Spartans could play Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin to start league play and go unscathed.
Now that they have Nebraska needs to beat the Spartans on Saturday to avoid falling two games, really three, behind Michigan State in the standings. This matchup will pit strength on strength. MSU is 8th in the country in rush defense and the Huskers are in the top ten in the country in rush offense.
The Huskers will need to be balanced in this game. Taylor Martinez, who has played well the last two games, will need to be sharp again this week. Nebraska will need to be able to make some plays in the passing game in order to have success. There will be plenty of pressure on the offensive line. Michigan State’s front four is as good as there is in the country.
Offensively the Spartans run a pro style attack. A lot of plays out of the I formation coupled with play action. Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins was lights out against Wisconsin last Saturday throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns.
The Huskers are better in the special teams. Brett Maher continues to be stellar kicking the ball and Ameer Abdullah remains a threat every time he touches the ball on kickoffs and punt returns.
This should be a tight contest where turnovers and field position will be of utmost importance. I see this being a field goal game either way.
Go Big Red!
