Michigan State @ Nebraska preview

THE STORY: After possibly the most dramatic win in program history over previously unbeaten Wisconsin, No. 10 Michigan State now must travel to Lincoln to take on No. 13 Nebraska in a game that could determine the winner of the Big Ten Legends Division. Following home wins against the Badgers and rival Michigan, the Spartans are hoping to defeat ranked opponents in three consecutive weeks for the first time in school history. Michigan State is 0-5 all-time against the Huskers, but these two teams haven’t met since the 2003 Alamo Bowl, when Nebraska won 17-3. Bo Pelini was the interim coach in that game and would eventually take over the Cornhuskers' program in 2008.

TV: ESPN. Line: Nebraska -4

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten): The Spartans lead the Big Ten in all the major defensive categories and trail only Alabama nationally in total defense. While the defense has dominated the headlines most of the season, it was quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Keith Nichol who provided the thrilling win over Wisconsin when they connected on a 44-yard Hail Mary pass as time expired. With that play, Cousins won his 22nd game as a starter and became the most successful quarterback in school history.

ABOUT NEBRASKA (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten): After getting pummeled at Wisconsin on national television in their first-ever Big Ten game, the Huskers have responded with convincing wins over Ohio State and Minnesota. Nebraska’s ground game continued to roll in the win over the Golden Gophers, racking up 346 rushing yards. The Huskers are now first in the conference and seventh nationally in rushing offense, averaging 261 yards. Quarterback Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead both average more than 90 yards on the ground and have combined for 19 touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan State is 4-2 in its last six games against Top 25 teams, dating back to 2010.

2. Nebraska’s Burkhead has run for at least one touchdown in every game this season.

3. The Spartans are coming off their first game without a penalty since 1975.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 20, Nebraska 17 -- In what shapes up as a defensive battle, the Spartans will get one more stop.