The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Michigan State Spartans meet Saturday in college football action from Spartan Stadium. Nebraska is coming off a matchup versus Purdue last weekend. In that game the Cornhuskers improved to 5-3 on the season following a 17-point victory. As for Michigan State, they played Minnesota in their last outing. The 2-6 Spartans would go on to lose by 15 points. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers 

The Cornhuskers started out the season on a sketchy 1-2 run but then managed three wins over the next four games (with a lone loss to Michigan). In that time Nebraska relied on defense to get their victories, as the offense averaged just 18.7 points per game. The passing attack was especially suspect, contributing just six touchdowns to eight interceptions over that time. 

Matched up against Purdue on Saturday, Nebraska held a 21-0 edge going into the fourth quarter and cruised to the win 31-14. Heinrich Haarberg threw for 122 yards and two touchdowns on just six completions. Emmett Johnson rushed for 76 yards and a score, and Jaylen Lloyd caught one ball for a 73-yard TD. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Facts

• Nebraska has won each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Nebraska has covered the spread in each of its last four November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Nebraska has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
• Four of Nebraska’s last five games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Michigan State Spartans 

Over on the Spartans’ side, they’ve had quite the difficult schedule so far and haven’t been able to find much success after winning their first two outings. In their first seven games, Michigan State similarly came up with just 18.9 points per game with eight passing scores versus nine interceptions. The run wasn’t much more effective, though: 3.3 yards per play and seven scores overall. 

Back on Saturday versus Minnesota, the Spartans held a 6-0 lead after one quarter but it quickly vanished in a 27-12 loss. Katin Houser managed 117 passing yards, and Sam Leavitt topped the rushers with 52 yards. Montorie Foster led the receiving attack on 55 yards from four catches. 

Michigan State Spartans Team Facts

• Michigan State has lost each of its last seven games against conference opponents.
• The favorite has covered the spread in eight of Michigan State’s last nine games.
• Michigan State has lost the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Each of Michigan State’s last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Michigan State has scored fewer than 10 points in three home games this season – most of any FBS team.
• Nebraska rank 21st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (18.6).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Nebraska here, but I’m probably also staying away. The Cornhuskers’ win over the weekend wasn’t without its problems. Nebraska lost four fumbles and notched just 14 first downs on offense but the defense played a great game to get the W. The Cornhuskers allowed just 195 yards (99 passing) and had three takeaways. That makes 14 or fewer points allowed in three straight games. 

As for Michigan State, they continued to flail in their last outing, compiling just 15 first downs, 299 total yards (190 passing), two turnovers and 4-of-13 on third downs against Minnesota. The Spartans have scored 16 or fewer points in five of the last six games, and I don’t see them doing much on the scoreboard in this one either.