The Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Michigan State Football

Each week, the Profizer sits down to read the tarot cards. Dip his toes into the Sea of Red. And put his fingers on the pulse of college football. Though his glasses may be dangerously rose colored and he continues to drive with an open container of Rhule-aid, he can see clearly what must be done each week. This is the Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Michigan State.

Michigan State vs. Nebraska

Losing a game is never fun. It is especially hard losing a game going into a bye week, unable to wash that losing taste out of the mouth for a whole week. Add to that a game that felt truly significant. One that was built up in Husker Nation as a measuring stick. A turning point. Another shot at a ranked team. A chance to end the drought that is thrown in Husker faces around the globe. The stars had seemingly aligned. The moon was a perfect waning crescent. But the timeline reading must have been off. Or maybe I wore the wrong shirt. Possibly brushed the bottoms before the tops. Either way, Husker Nation is left with a collective hole in their hearts yet again. Yearning for yet another shot at glory.

They say that time helps heal a broken heart. An absolute mean slate of games last Saturday sure helped cushion the fall. But the only thing that is truly going to heal this Big Red heart is for the boys to get back on that field and win another ball game. But with time comes clarity, and like a seasoned parent, I am no longer mad. I am disappointed. Disappointed that another opportunity slipped straight though this teams hands. Disappointed that we won’t get a shot at another ranked opponent for at least a month’s time. But through the disappointment, I cling to hope. Hope that this 2025 squad will capitalize on the opportunity that is still in front of them. Go out and win the games you are supposed to win, position themselves for the stretch run in November that will allow this program to be able to reach for greatness once again. The leaves are changing. The jet stream is moving. The crystals are being rubbed. First things first. Michigan State is in town. And there is no King Leonidis in this group of Spartans. This is the battle plan. I lay out the battle plan below of what the Huskers must do to get this season back on the tracks in this week’s Profizer’s Pigskin Preview: Nebraska vs. Michigan State.

1.      Spartan Taming 101 – There is one person that makes this Michigan State offense go. And his name is Aidan Chiles. If the Blackshirts can neutralize Chiles, then this Michigan State offense will be stuck in the mud. But, as with most things in life, it is easier said than done. Chiles has matured as a QB this year, completing passes at about a 68% clip, with nine touchdowns vs. only one interception. And what strikes the most fear in Husker fans hearts? A mobile QB. Chiles has that in his toolbox if he chooses to use it. The Blackshirts are going to have to be on their toes, as this may be the best QB we see until Jayden Maiava comes to Lincoln with his merry band of Trojans. It feels like I am repeating myself but keep Chiles in the pocket. Force him to make the throws against what has proven to be the strongest part of this Blackshirt defense. MSU doesn’t have the running game that Michigan does, so if the defense can’t pull this off this weekend, we may have more to talk about next week.

2.      Let Raiola Sling It – This game, on paper, heavily favors the Husker offense. The strength of this Husker offense is the passing attack, led by Dylan Raiola. And when you are going up against the 116^th ranked passing defense, it should be like taking candy from a baby. This feels a lot like a game where the Huskers can pass the ball to open up the run game. There was a clear struggle to get the running game going consistently against the Michigan Wolverines, and that became even more glaring of an issue when Emmet Johnson wasn’t on the field. With no clear cut RB2, Dana Holgerson is going to have to get a little more creative with his play calling. I wouldn’t be shocked to see these boys sling the ball around the field a bit on Saturday, softening the box so that we can get these running backs some open space to run in. Holgerson made the comments during his media availability this week that we haven’t seen much like we are going to see on Saturday. I for one, cannot wait to see what he may have in store for us. But fair warning to the “Run the damn ball” crowd. You could be a bit triggered on Saturday.

3.      Eyes on the Prize – One of the oldest sayings in any sport. You can’t let one loss beat you twice. We have commiserated over the loss to Michigan and the lost opportunity. But this team cannot dwell on that. If they do, Michigan State will more than gladly swipe a cheap win in Lincoln. There is so much more football to be played this season. Eight more games to show that this team is who they say they are. On paper, this team has an incredible opportunity in front of it. Looking specifically at the month of October, there are four games in which, if you ask me today, Nebraska will be favored in. This team must not play to the brand of the teams they will be facing, but rather to the “standard” that Matt Rhule has been preaching. There is an opportunity for this Husker squad to rattle off a number of games in a row, but first, we must overwhelm the Spartans. Gain some momentum, some confidence, and carry throughout the month. A 4-0 record in October, heading into the most challenging part of the schedule would be YUGE!!

A quarter of the season is already in the books. Hard to believe. But there is so much more still to play for. Sure, did I miss the Michigan game. Yes. Hand up, I missed that one. But we are getting back on track this week. Nebraska vs. Michigan State. It's back to the basics. We are feeling it in the plums this week. And the plums don’t lie. Raiola is going over 300 yards through the air. Jacory will go for back-to-back 100-yard games. And the Huskers roll this week. Big Red 38 – MSU 17