MSU football: Video analysis of the Spartans’ 45-31 loss at USC
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press MSU beat writer Chris Solari break down the Spartans’ 45-31 loss at USC.
After a week off, Michigan State football will be looking to redeem its first loss of the season with another tough road test.
Michigan State football plays at Nebraska at 4 p.m. on FS1 in Week 6 of college football as both teams look to improve to 4-1.
It’s a really big spot for Jonathan Smith and the Spartans after they lost by two touchdowns against USC in Week 4 on the road and need a statement victory to keep the season on track.
The Spartans were completely unable to slow down the Trojans’ high-powered attack, especially in the first half, but as injuries piled up for MSU’s defense the group showed a lot of heart in keeping the game close.
The Spartans spent the bye week looking internally at how they can fix their ailing defense, with a major focus on pressuring opposing quarterbacks, something they’ve failed to do almost completely in 2025.
MSU ranks 99th in the country with just 1.3 sacks per game and once again came away with no sacks against USC. The good news for the Spartans? Nebraska is gettable in that category. The Cornhuskers allowed seven sacks last game against a fiery Michigan defensive line. While the Spartans’ D-line does not have nearly the talent that Michigan’s D-line does, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has showed a tendency to hold the ball too long and create opportunities for pass rushes to get home.
Will that be enough for the Spartans to hang in the game? Despite having the same record, the Spartans are a big underdog on the road.
Here’s what you need to know:
What time is Michigan State football’s game today vs Nebraska?
The Spartans travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, on Saturday, Oct. 4, to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a Week 6 matchup. The kickoff time will be 4 p.m. ET.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4.
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET.
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska.
What channel is Michigan State football’s game today vs Nebraska?
The broadcast for the Michigan State game against Nebraska will be handled by FS1.
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET.
Channel: FS1.
Streaming: On Fubo (free trial).
Radio: WJR-AM (760 in Detroit).
Watch Michigan State football on Fubo
Michigan State prediction vs Nebraska
Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press: Aidan Chiles will keep the Spartans in the game and maybe even lead a late charge as he did at USC. It won’t be enough as once again MSU’s defense won’t be able to get off the field. The Cornhuskers aren’t a great team but with Dylan Raiola at quarterback they are explosive at times, and he’ll be too much for the Spartans’ reeling D. The pick: Nebraska 33, Michigan State 26.
Michigan State odds vs Nebraska
The Spartans once again are a big underdog heading into their showdown against the Cornhuskers.
Spread: Nebraska by 11½ points.
Over/under: 49½ points.
Moneyline: Michigan State (+350), Nebraska (-450).
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday afternoon.
Michigan State football 2025 schedule
- Week 1: W, 23-6 vs Western Michigan.
- Week 2: W, 42-40 vs Boston College.
- Week 3: W, 41-24 vs Youngstown State.
- Week 4: L, 45-31 at USC.
- Week 5: Bye week.
- Week 6: at Nebraska, Oct. 4, 4 p.m. ET (FS1).
- Week 7: vs UCLA, Oct. 11, noon.
- Week 8: at Indiana, Oct. 18, TBA.
- Week 9: vs Michigan, Oct. 25, TBA.
- Week 10: at Minnesota, Nov. 1, TBA.
- Week 11: Bye week.
- Week 12: vs Penn State, Nov. 15, TBA.
- Week 13: at Iowa, Nov. 22, TBA.
- Week 14 vs Maryland, Nov. 29, TBA (game at Ford Field).
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Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].
