Michigan State vs. Nebraska Prediction
Which struggling Big Ten team will pick up a needed win when Nebraska plays host to Michigan State on Saturday at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
415 Michigan State at 416 Nebraska
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Noon ET – Memorial Stadium
TV: FOX
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new College Football Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan State is favored on the road, as the Spartans are getting odds of -2.5 points against Nebraska. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 49.5. The public betting for this game currently has 58 percent going Nebraska at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Spartans fall to Ohio State
Michigan State suffered a 26-6 loss at home to Ohio State last weekend. It was their third loss in six games. MSU is now 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten. They are 4-6 against the spread and 6-4 with the under. They are just 3-4 against the spread in their last seven.
The MSU offense is a mess right now. The Spartans are averaging just 21.7 points and 351.7 yards per game. They have been held to single digits in two of their last four games. Quarterback Brian Lewerke has thrown for 1,868 yards and eight touchdowns with nine interceptions, but he has a shoulder injury that is limiting his ability. Rocky Lombardi will play if Lewerke can’t. He has thrown for 419 yards and two touchdowns. Connor Heyward is the leading rusher on the team with 359 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Michigan State is strong, giving up 19.7 points and 327.3 yards per game. Their run defense is allowing 76.5 yards per contest.
Nebraska showing improvement
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off a 54-35 win at home over Illinois last week. They have won three of their last four with lone loss being by four points at Ohio State. Nebraska is now 3-7 overall, 2-5 in the Big Ten, 4-5-1 against the spread and 6-4 with the over. The Huskers have covered the spread in their last two games.
Nebraska has found its stride on offense and comes into this game averaging 32.3 points and 482.6 yards per game. Their run game is putting up 226.5 yards per contest. Devine Ozigbo has rushed for 958 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the offense while quarterback Adrian Martinez has run for 535 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing for 2,212 yards and 15 touchdowns. Stanley Morgan Jr. and JD Spielman has combined for 125 catches and 1,674 yards with 15 touchdowns. Defensively, Nebraska is allowing 33.8 points and 449.4 yards per contest.
College Football Betting Trends
Michigan State
Michigan State is 9-3 against the spread in its last 12 games following a failed cover and 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a loss.
Nebraska
Nebraska is just 3-12-2 against the spread in their last 17 games following a cover. They also are 3-13-2 ATS in their last 18 home games.
Prediction:
Nebraska is playing a lot better right now and the Cornhuskers will probably be the trendy pick this week, but I think the Spartans will find a way to win and cover. The MSU coaching staff has to come to its senses and bench Lewerke. His shoulder is keeping him from making throws and the offense can’t move with him. If Lombardi is under center, the MSU offense moves much more efficiently. Nebraska needs to run the ball to succeed on offense, but the Huskers are facing a great run defense and that should cool off their offense. The MSU defense should stand tall on the road again.
College Football Prediction: Michigan State -2.5