Michigan State · Big TenMichigan State must run to upset Nebraska
The 2-1 Spartans face a 3-0 Nebraska team after abandoning the run in their loss at Notre Dame.
SEP 25, 2026
Michigan State opening Big Ten losses followed by missed bowls
Nebraska scoring margin through its 3-0 start
Nick Poulos’ rushing line against Nebraska
01 · The NewsMichigan State Must Run to Upset Nebraska
Michigan State opens Big Ten play against unbeaten Nebraska on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. ET, with its upset plan tied to Cam Edwards’ rushing attack and pressure on quarterback Anthony Colandrea.
Nebraska has outscored Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota 139-35 during its 3-0 start, allowing more than seven points only in a 49-21 win over Ohio. That game offered Michigan State a possible opening: Ohio running back Nick Poulos gained 70 yards and scored a touchdown on 10 carries.
Michigan State also has to avoid repeating its response to the Sept. 19 loss at Notre Dame. After falling behind by multiple possessions, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan moved away from the run, used backup quarterback Cam Fancher in parts of the rushing package and left Alessio Milivojevic to absorb more pressure as the offense leaned on the pass in a 27-10 defeat.
Against Nebraska, the Spartans’ offense runs through Edwards. A committed ground game can keep Michigan State from putting Milivojevic in obvious passing situations against a Nebraska defense that allowed seven points to Bowling Green and seven to North Dakota.
The defensive side starts with Jamal Rule, who ranks among the Big Ten’s top three rushers through three games and averages more than eight yards per carry. Michigan State must contain Rule, force Nebraska into passing downs and then let defensive coordinator Joe Rossi bring pressure on Colandrea, with Kenny Soares and Anelu Lafaele among the outside threats. For the Spartans, the upset begins with staying committed to Edwards and making Nebraska’s quarterback play from behind.
02 · The StakesThe Bowl Path Is Already at Stake
The 2-1 Spartans need that opening to matter. Michigan State has lost its Big Ten opener five times in the past 10 years and missed a bowl in each of those seasons.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
Michigan State enters the Sept. 26 game with a gap to close that its 2-1 record obscures. The Spartans went 1-8 in Big Ten play in 2025, while Nebraska went 4-5 and has opened 3-0. Yahoo Sports rates Nebraska the third-hardest game left on Michigan State’s schedule, so the opener is a test and a chance to improve the shape of the slate. The consequence arrives on Oct. 3, when Michigan State visits Wisconsin, making Nebraska the first half of back-to-back conference games after the 1-8 finish.
04 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
Will Cam Edwards and Jamal Rule be available on Sept. 26?
Michigan State has not said Edwards will be available, and Nebraska has not said Rule will be available. Their status affects both paths: Michigan State’s reliance on Edwards and its need to contain a back averaging more than eight yards per carry. Each team’s announced availability and opening snap count will provide the clearest answers.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Does Michigan State stay with the run?
Watch whether Cam Edwards remains central to the offense instead of the Spartans leaning on the pass and putting Alessio Milivojevic in obvious passing situations.
Can the Spartans force Anthony Colandrea into passing downs?
Michigan State needs to contain Jamal Rule first, then let Joe Rossi bring pressure on Nebraska’s quarterback.