Adam Carriker's Nebraska-Michigan State Preview and Prediction

57 minutes ago 11

Nebraska is 3-0, but now the season starts to feel different. In this episode of the Carriker Chronicles, Adam previews Nebraska’s Big Ten opener at Michigan State and breaks down what the Huskers need to do to prove that their strong start can carry over to the road.

Watch the full episode below, and scroll down for a synopsis.

Nebraska has taken care of business through the non-con schedule and has now won 11 straight non-con games. The offense has shown good balance, with Anthony Colandrea giving Nebraska steady quarterback play and the running backs providing a strong ground game. The Huskers have been able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground, but this week brings a different kind of challenge. This is Nebraska’s first road game and first Big Ten matchup of the season, so the question is simple: can Nebraska’s identity travel?

Carriker takes a closer look at Michigan State under head coach Pat Fitzgerald and what the Spartans have shown through the first few games of the season. Michigan State has a solid running back, a capable rush defense and a style of play that can make opponents work for everything. The Spartans also tend to play disciplined football, which means Nebraska cannot afford to give away yards with penalties, turnovers or poor special teams play.

The Blackshirts are also a big part of the discussion. Nebraska’s pass defense has been a strength so far, the tackling has improved and the defense has done a better job of limiting yards after contact. Adam explains why those things matter against Michigan State and why early downs could be one of the biggest parts of the game. If Nebraska can stay ahead of the chains on offense and force Michigan State into long-yardage situations on defense, that could make a big difference.

The keys to the game are clear. Nebraska needs to protect the football, win early downs, control the line of scrimmage and handle adversity. Carriker believes this game could come down to the trenches and the little things that do not always show up in the highlight reel. Road games can turn quickly, so Nebraska has to be ready when momentum shifts.

Carriker wraps up the first segment by giving his official prediction, taking Nebraska to beat Michigan State 28-21.

In segment two, Dr. Strasburger from Sagewell Orthopaedics joins the conversation for a deeper discussion on recovery, strength training, physical practices and how players stay fresh during a long season. They talk about managing only one bye week this year, the value of padded practices, tackling, quarterback play and how Nebraska can avoid wearing down as the schedule gets tougher. The conversation wraps up with a look at what it takes to maintain peak performance deep into the year.