Michigan State football revealed what type of team it has the potential to be this season after a 27-10 loss to No. 3 Notre Dame: They might not win a championship, but they'll be competitive. Now the Spartans have another test in their first Big Ten matchup of the season against Nebraska.
Though unranked, the Cornhuskers stand at 3-0 and have one of the most efficient offenses in the country. It's another huge opportunity for MSU to set the tone for the remainder of the season.
"It's why we all come here to Michigan State. It's to compete and play Big Ten football," MSU head coach Pat Fitzgerald said at Monday's press conference. "We got another stiff test; Nebraska's playing really, really well."
MSU (2-1) vs. Nebraska (3-0) will be Fitzgerald's first Big Ten game since Nov. 26, 2022. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium, with the game airing on Big Ten Network.
Stopping Colandrea and Nebraska's offense
The Cornhuskers have one of the best offenses on paper through three games. They rank 10th in the nation in total offense, fueled largely by a ground game that averages 263 rushing yards per game (12th nationally), while also scoring 46.3 points per game (11th in the nation).
Though they've done it against weaker opponents, including Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota, they've done it efficiently, boasting a perfect red-zone success rate and converting 57% of their third downs (ninth-best in the nation).
"The reason they’re efficient on third down is because of first and second down success. And there’s some drives they don’t even get to third down,” MSU defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said at Wednesday’s press conference.
The reigning Mountain West player of the year, quarterback Anthony Colandrea, is the maestro of their offense; to put it simply, he does his job. The senior has completed 68.8% of his passes for 692 yards and eight touchdowns through three games while throwing just one interception. He's also a threat to create plays with his legs, compiling 75 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
"He’s very athletic. He’s dynamic to be quite honest with you; he can take it to the house if you’re not gap sound and not rush lane conscious,” Fitzgerald said. “You can just tell he’s a gamer.”
