Who will win the imaginary prediction thread traveling trophy this week? MSU comes into Lincoln sporting a stout defense (21st in nation, only allowing 327 yds/game) vs the Husker's prolific offense, which has averaged over 450 yds per game the last 7 games.
The opposite side of the game shows a questionable Sparty offense, which features an injured QB (arm) whose backup is a freshman. MSU's rushing game is ranked 115th in the nation (out of 129 teams), 117th in scoring, and only ranked 68th in passing. On the flip side matchup, NU's Blackshirts are 107th in total defense. So it appears the game will feature Strength vs. Strength on one side with Nebraska's high powered offense battling the MSU resolute defense, while on the other side, the weaknesses of both teams will showcase MSU's anemic offense vs the Blackshirts leaky defense.
The Husker seniors on this team are facing their last home game. This group was recruited by Bo Pelini, only to see him canned by Shawn Eichorst. Then they endured the embarrassment of Smilin' Mike Riley and his lackadiasical efforts. Now on Senior Day, they are an integral part of the Scott Frost's turnaround effort.
Who has more to play for? Michigan State is already bowl qualified, while Nebraska is looking to finish the last 6 games with a 5-1 record after starting 0-6. This game may come down to whoever scores last. Can NU's offense make just enough hay to win the game, while the Blackshirts' improved defense hold off the Spartans?
MSU head coach Mark Dantonio (who looks like catfood smells) made an effort to have MSU fan Brenda Snipes take a break from counting Florida votes, to fly in to operate the scoreboard, but the sneaky effort has been thwarted by AD Bill Moos.
Home field advantage, but the game is in essence a tossup. Get your predictions up!
Replies
Congratulations to Trashman for being the closest pick in the Prediction Thread NU vs MSU! He wins the imaginary weekly traveling trophy!
Here are the results:
Low 31-26
Tom 24-27 (Picked MSU)
Crawford 28-27
PT 27-24
Trashman 26-16
Mr. Football 48-45
Buck 38-21
Actual Score: 9-6
NU 38- MSU 21
So in the last 3 home games NU has put up 53, 45 (could have been 70+) and 54. Today vs MSU the over/under stands at 48.5. Mainly due to MSU’s defense that has ceded over 30 points once. That was in their opener vs the #1 scoring offense Utah St.
Against IL I thought the wind could be a factor and it proved to be nothing. Scott has mentioned that until it gets to 25-30mph + he’s relatively unconcerned (paraphrasing). It will be in that area today.
Unless we give Sparty a couple very short fields with turnovers or they get a defensive score....I have a hard time believing they can break the 20pt barrier. Even against this......holy? Wholly? Holey! defense. Tough weather conditions are even harder on a holey offense.
While our season has been shot for awhile, Scott has managed to maintain a semblance of fortitude for the future. The buy-in continues to grow. MSU’s chances at anything “bigger” was officially eliminated by Urbs last week.
MSU 16
NU 27
I waiver on this one.. close loss.. play well.. and could be 14-17 win .../hmmm. Weather comes in to play also, turnovers, dinged up Mo and JD... cant have too much confidence in our D to really stop anyone. Thinking it comes down to field position game, make them have to have long drives, give us shorter drives less exposure to their good D. Don't see it really high scoring unless we get big plays, long passes, it will be hard to score in the Red zone with them, need to kick field goals.
Sparta goes to their turtle D, shields up- 27
Red valiant try- 24 (remembering MI rush D)
Temperatures in the high 20's, 20+ MPH winds, possible snow flakes in the air......football in November! Atmosphere will be very similar to last week and both teams will come to play. Should be a fun event to watch all 4 quarters.
NU: 31
MSU: 26
This is gonna be a close one. Home field advantage for NU is what is gonna make the difference.
Big Red - 28
little green - 27