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Nebraska vs. Michigan State Prediction and Odds: Spartans Look to Remain Undefeated in Big Ten

By Matt De Saro

The Michigan State Spartans will look to move to 4-0 in conference play tonight against the Nebraska Cornhusker.
The Michigan State Spartans will look to move to 4-0 in conference play tonight against the Nebraska Cornhusker. / Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal
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Big Ten basketball rivals the Nebraska Cornhuskers and No. 10 Michigan State Spartans are set to do battle tonight in the Wolverine State. Nebraska is coming off a loss to No. 13 Ohio State, but they put up a strong fight against a much better team. The Buckeyes managed to eke out an overtime win, but the Cornhuskers showed that they have the chops to hang with one of the best teams in the conference. 

Michigan State, on the other hand, is coming off a 73-67 road win over Northwestern and is now 3-0 in Big Ten play. It was their seventh straight win and the Spartans are now 12-2 this season overall and lead the conference. 

Here are the odds for this Big Ten matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Nebraska vs. Michigan State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Nebraska +15 (-110)
  • Michigan State -15 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Nebraska: NA
  • Michigan State: NA

Total:

  • 149 (Over -110/Under -110)

Nebraska vs. Michigan State Prediction and Pick

While it ended up winning, Michigan State almost go upset on the road to Northwestern on Sunday. The Spartans were down as many as 13 points in the first half before rallying to tie the game with less than six minutes to play.

As a team, the Spartans shot 38.5 from the field but were just 7-for-23 from downtown. Despite such a high ranking, the Spartans' offense leaves a bit to be desired. They are 160th in the nation in two-point shooting percentage and 177th in field goals per game.

MSU is one of the better teams in the nation behind the arc, shooting 38.9 percent, but needs to pick up the pace from close range.

Despite its shortcomings, Michigan State is a well-rounded team and ranks 22nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and 21st in adjusted defensive efficiency. It ranks second in the conference in scoring defense in Big Ten games.

Another area that MSU dominates is on the glass. The Spartans are 16th in the nation in rebounding with an average of 41.1 boards per game Nebraska is 124th with an average of 36.2 RPG. 

In fact, Nebraska ranks significantly lower in every meaningful metric related to basketball. Its offense is the team’s bright spot, but they still rank 68th in the nation in scoring. However, the Cornhuskers rank 304th in scoring defense and are one of the worst teams in the nation at denying rebounds at 356th.

The Cornhuskers are a fine team but they can't hold a candle to what MSU has going on. Between their assist numbers, rebounding dominance, and a solid offense, the Spartans should have a cakewalk tonight in the conference. 

Pick: Michigan State Spartans -15 (-110)

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