Michigan State Spartans (2-6/0-5) host Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3/3-2)
November 4, 2023.  12 Noon ET.  
Spartan Stadium, East Lansing.

Weather:  50 and cloudy.
TV:  FS1.

Sagarin Ratings: Nebraska #49, MSU #80
Line Outta Vegas: Corn by 3.5

First off, sorry about last week: the ES was out in Washington State helping out with some family issues.  Think that might be the first time the ES missed a game preview in the 22 years of existence.  I did watch the game in Port Angeles, WA, the day after my laptop was stolen.  Back in Michigan now, back on my feet. 

As for the game this week, there again doesn't seem to be much hope.  MSU is having its worst full season since 1982 under Muddy Waters (2-9, but the wins were in the Big Ten), or since 1917 under Chester Brewer (0-9).   MSU can change that narrative with one more win in the final four: the Corn, the Bucks, the Hoosiers, and the Lions.  It is an uphill climb for a team that is not very good. 

The problem with Nebraska today is the Corn have won three in a row: Purdon't, NW, Illini.  Momentum is on their side.  Yet, the Corn were beat down 45-7 by scUM, similar to MSU's drubbing.  Does that provide hope?

Nebraska and MSU both have decent defenses.  Both defenses are stout but make mistakes, and both offenses are offensive.  MSU's special teams have been a disaster with mistakes, despite the big legs of our kickers.  And, the coaching of Barnett & Co. is not situational and is instead reactionary, leading to mistakes in the 4th quarter.

The ES is gonna sit this one out and watch at home.  

Nebraska 17, MSU 13.