Michigan State was basically a mystery entering 2021. Mel Tucker took over late––in February––of 2020, which was strange on its own. Then a pandemic shut everything down meaning the new head coach had no spring practice time with his new team.
The Spartans went 2-5 last season. The run game was among the worst for a Power 5 team. The starting quarterback transferred. When the de facto 2021 preseason poll for the Big Ten came out, Tucker’s team was picked to finish last in the East.
When Michigan State welcomes Nebraska to East Lansing on Saturday night (6 p.m., FS1) it will do so as the 20th-ranked team in the country, undefeated with one of the best rushing attacks in the country through four weeks.
Nebraska could have some momentum of its own following a strong outing, despite the loss, at Oklahoma. Both offenses in this game are capable of hitting big plays. Both defense enter the game having limited them.
Something’s gotta give in a high-stakes game for the Huskers.
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