With both teams coming off of bye weeks, Michigan State (3-1, 0-1 in the Big Ten) travels to Lincoln on Saturday to play at Nebraska (also (3-1 and 0-1 in the Big Ten). The game is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. Eastern Time/3 p.m. Central Time and can be watched on FS1.
Nebraska leads the Big Ten and is second in the nation in passing yards per game (351.8). Additionally, the Cornhuskers rank fourth in the Big Ten in points per game (43.5) and fourth in the conference in yards per game (496.5). Nebraska ranks 11th in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (144.8).
Meanwhile, the Michigan State defense has struggled through four games in 2025. The Spartans rank dead last in passing defense in the Big Ten, allowing 263.5 yards through the air per game. MSU also ranks 17th out of 18 Big Ten teams in total yards allowed per game (384.0) and 16th in points per game allowed (28.8). MSU is allowing 120.5 rushing yards per game (12th in the conference).
The Spartans have also struggled to get to the quarterback, tied for 15th in the conference with just six sacks heading into the weekend. However, Nebraska has also only recorded six sacks in 2025 thus far. Both offenses have allowed 10 sacks.
Despite the lack of pass rush, Nebraska's defense has been incredibly stout against the pass, allowing just 75.8 passing yards per game, which is the best in the country. The Cornhuskers also rank fifth in the Big Ten in total yards allowed per game (249.3) and sixth in points allowed per game (13.5). However, Nebraska has struggled mightily to defend the run, ranking 17th in the Big Ten and 108th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (173.5).
As for the Michigan State offense, the Spartans average 34.3 points per game (11th in Big Ten), 374.3 total yards per game (13th in Big Ten), 220.3 pass yards per game (12th) and 154.0 rush yards per game (10th).
Ahead of the game, MSU head coach Jonathan Smith previewed the Cornhuskers and discussed the various challenges that starting quarterback Dylan Raiola and this Nebraska team brings for the Spartans.
"Headed toward a big opportunity back into this league and conference play in a tough environment, going back on the road," Smith said about the upcoming game at Nebraska. "(Head) Coach (Matt) Rhule has done a nice job there.
"These guys are a good football team. They can score points, quarterback (Dylan Raiola) is one of the better ones we're gonna play — you can see their stats and points scored and passing yards and those things. I think defensively, they hold their own, doing some really good things, especially on the back end and the pass defense. You look at it, it stands out on tape. So we've got a real, real challenge coming Saturday."
Through four games in 2025, Raiola has completed 102 out of 135 passes (75.6% completion percentage) for 1,137 yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception.
Smith praised Raiola's play and complimented the job that Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen do with the offense.
"The passing game, they're just so effective with it," Smith said about the Cornhuskers. "It's blended with some run-pass options, so RPO that's going on. The quarterback (Dylan Raiola) can change his arm angle. He's a gifted player — extend the play, yes, change his arm angle.
"Their efficiency, their ability to stay out of third-and-long because of the passing (is impressive). They've got some weapons they are throwing (to). And they've got some good coaches over there. I mean, Coach Rhule and Coach Holgorsen, they know what they're doing offensively and it shows up on tape. I think they're close to leading the country in some of these stats: points and passing offense."
Given that both teams are coming off a bye week, each squad will be well-rested coming into Saturday and neither team has put anything new on film since they last played on Sept. 20. Both teams are also coming off of losses (Michigan State to USC and Nebraska to Michigan). This puts the Spartans and Cornhuskers on equal footing heading into the Week Six contest.
"You're always looking at the previous game pretty heavily," Smith said about reviewing Nebraska's film during the bye week. "You're still look for scheme fit. And there's some similarities to the scheme there. I think there is some clarity that comes when both teams have a bye, so there's not going to be any new tape.
"So, bye week for us, we approached it ourselves (with a self-scout) the first couple of days, but then you head into your opponent. They're not gonna play again, so some of the decisions you can make earlier because you're not waiting on maybe their final game or final tape to see. So, is there (an) advantage or disadvantage? I think it's equal on both sides. There's no new tape, and so you make plans off of the tape for two weeks."