Avoid a hangover from last weekend
Michigan State came out flat against Wisconsin last weekend after their big win against Michigan the weekend prior. Obviously the Spartans were able to recover and come up with one of the most remarkable wins in recent memory.
Nebraska knows that Michigan State is their biggest threat in the Legends division so a strong start is needed to quell the home crowd in Lincoln.
Take advantage of an underachieving defensive line
With star tackle Jared Crick out for the season with a pectoral muscle injury, Nebraska’s front seven haven’t been as good as originally thought. With Michigan State’s running game improving as the season progresses, the offensive line needs to provide some holes and try to take advantage of Nebraska’s loss of Crick.
This will still be a challenge given that Lavonte David is still a very good linebacker for the Cornhuskers.
Keep Alfonzo Dennard out of the game
Alfonzo Dennard, cousin of MSU cornerback Darqueze Dennard, is probably the biggest threat in the Cornhusker secondary. Spartan QB Kirk Cousins needs to make sure he keeps A. Dennard from making that big play on B.J. Cunningham.
Defensive line must contain Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska running game
Like the Michigan game, Michigan State will be going up against a quarterback with a questionable arm and that is dangerous on the ground in Taylor Martinez.
With Will Gholston returning, the Spartan defensive line will need to prevent those big ground gains from Martinez and freshman Kenny Bell who had a huge 82-yard reverse for a score last weekend.
Martinez has also been able to put up some passing numbers so the secondary will need to be on their toes as well.
Ref: Lansing State Journal,
