Follow along as The Daily Nebraskan’s sports senior staff makes their predictions for every Nebraska football game this fall.
A rolling tally will be kept throughout 2025, with the best record crowned at the end of the season.
Anthony Rubek, senior sports editor: Nebraska 27, Michigan State 17
After having two weeks to go over its first loss of the season, Nebraska should bounce back against a Michigan State team that lacks the competitive edge Michigan had.
The Spartans are a solid team in the Big Ten led by junior quarterback Aidan Chiles, whose dual-threat ability is one the Huskers cannot sleep on. However, I expect the Blackshirts to defend the run much better after the bye week.
Dylan Raiola put forth an impressive outing against the Wolverines and should easily do the same against Michigan State. The Spartans have one of the worst pass rushes and secondaries in the Big Ten, a sharp contrast to the Wolverines. Michigan State’s run defense is also far from great, so I expect junior running back Emmett Johnson to return to his old ways and rush for 100+ yards.
Saturday’s game could be a dogfight, especially if Nebraska comes out of the bye week sluggish. However, I think this year’s team is far too talented and experienced to let the Spartans spoil their homecoming.
Ben Beecham, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 35, Michigan State 24
I called this a trap game heading into the season, but the wake-up call from the Michigan loss has put Nebraska on higher alert. The Huskers have a favorable matchup here.
Michigan State has a subpar defense, and Raiola and the Huskers’ offense have shown they can be the real deal. Even against the Wolverines’ immense pressure, the unit showed promise. Giving up seven sacks is a big blemish, but many have discounted the NFL talent that Michigan has on the edges. The Spartans don’t have that.
I am a bit concerned with how Nebraska handles Chiles’ rushing threat. The Blackshirts struggled to contain Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, and Chiles’ offense catered more towards his rushing ability.
However, even with Chiles’ rushing threat, Michigan State’s offense is spotty at best. I think this game will come down to who can put together more consistent offensive drives, and that will be Nebraska.
Alex Berry, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 34, Michigan State 24
Both teams are coming off much-needed bye weeks after losses to two top-tier Big Ten teams in USC and Michigan. In order for Nebraska to be put in a solid position heading into two away games, the Huskers will need to prove that they can handle the middle-class Big Ten teams.
Nebraska’s biggest issue against Michigan was its tackling. The Huskers had eight missed tackles against the Wolverines, and while that felt like a lot, Michigan State is coming off a game with 12 missed tackles. The Spartans are averaging 10 missed tackles a game through four games. If the Huskers’ run game is as explosive as weeks two and three, Johnson and the other backs could break out some big runs.
Michigan State has only forced four turnovers all season. I would not be shocked to see Raiola air the ball out 30+ yards downfield four to five times. Nebraska’s offense should be able to find 350+ yards of total offense.
The Spartans feature another dual-threat quarterback for the Blackshirts to deal with. I am intrigued to see how Chiles is contained after two weeks of preparation.
Bobby Schneider, senior sports reporter: Nebraska 31, Michigan State 24
With Michigan State allowing over 260 passing yards per game, this one seems like another career day for Raiola. Yet with anticipated 40 mph wind gusts in the forecast, Nebraska will have to find a way to establish an attack on the ground.
Anticipate another heavy Johnson workload. But according to the Huskers’ coaching staff this week, NU has found a plan for the No. 2 RB: “You’ll see on Saturday” was repeated by both head coach Matt Rhule and OC Dana Holgorsen. Whether it’s Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson, Kwinten Ives or a surprise out of the backfield, I think Nebraska has a back to complement Johnson.
The Blackshirts face another savvy dual-threat quarterback. Chiles sits No. 17 in the country in QBR (78.8), along with over 150 yards rushing. And with two top-tier wideouts (Omari Kelly and Nick Marsh), NU’s secondary will face its toughest test of the season.
Michigan State will exploit more lingering Blackshirt issues, but Nebraska’s offense finding its way on the ground will be too much for the Spartans to keep up with.
Standings
1. Alex Berry 4-0 (+/- 51)
2. Ben Beecham 4-0 (+/- 63)
3. Anthony Rubek 4-0 (+/- 76)
4. Bobby Schneider 3-1 (+/- 61)