The best win on anyone’s resume was No. 2 Oregon’s victory over MSU back on Sept. 6. Throw out Oregon's dominant quarter against the Spartans, and there’s a very strong argument that the green-and-white are the best in the land of America.

But as my parents always told me, you can’t play should of, could of, would of, making that one horrific quarter out west a stain in what would have been a perfect non-conference slate.

MSU recorded its third win on Saturday in commanding fashion, this time against Wyoming, 56-14 . With its six-touchdown victory this week, MSU’s average margin of victory is just under 47 points. Yes, that stat is correct — 46.333 , to be exact.

The offense has been explosive, averaging 50.25 points per game, and the defense has forced 12 turnovers and a blocked field goal, which should count as a turnover in the words of head coach Mark Dantonio.

However, with all that being said, how much credit can we give to MSU? Is it more of the opponents simply struggling to provide a true test?

Jacksonville State is good at the FCS level, but that’s the FCS. Eastern Michigan was picked to finish last in the Mid-American Conference and they’ve certainly lived up to those expectations. And Wyoming, who was 3-1 before coming to Spartan Stadium, has yet to beat a team that deserves recognition. Not necessarily the best bunch.

MSU did exactly what it was supposed to against those teams. That’s something that hasn’t always been the case — remember Western Michigan and South Florida last year? When a Dantonio-coached team comes out and truly beats a lower scaled team into the ground like it did on Saturday for a third time, that’s pretty meaningful.

But now it’s time for MSU to carry that same mindset into the Big Ten. It’s one thing to hang 56 on Wyoming, but it’s even more impressive to put up 40 on a conference foe such as Nebraska.

I want to say those wins against Jacksonville State, EMU and Wyoming were significant and meaningful, but I can’t until seeing MSU beat a solid opponent. This week presents that opportunity. Beat Nebraska and we will know MSU is truly a contender for the College Football Playoff. A loss and we can throw out the playoff and simply focus on winning the Big Ten championship.

The Spartans have played 11 spotless quarters this season, now it’s time to see if they’ll carry that into conference play. Win or loss, we will know where MSU stands after this week’s showdown against the Cornhuskers. Contender, or pretender?