Spatchcocked Spartans on the menu for Week 6 Nebraska tailgate talk

The Michigan State Spartans march into Memorial Stadium Saturday for a 3:00 pm kickoff against the Cornhuskers in 90-degree temperatures with 40 mph wind gusts. The contest will be televised on FS1. Sparty brings with them a track record of 3-1 (like Nebraska), having come off a bye week (like Nebraska), and looking to erase the last conference loss from their minds (again, like Nebraska).

Speaking of the Michigan game, I'm still salty about a lot of things from the loss. First of all, TAKE THE POINTS on the first drive. I don't care what nerd is in the booth with whatever stat book on probabilities saying go for it on 4th down, TAKE THE POINTS! That game should have been a W, even with the missed field goal. But alas, our big boys in the trenches, on both sides, weren't up to the task.

Sun-dried Spartans will be a tasty meal for the Nebraska football team

On the bright side, at least no one on the team was pointing fingers at each other. That's how a loss can linger into another. Even Notre Dame O-Line transfer Rocco Spindler in his presser admitted "it's all 5 of us." I would add more to that number to reflect the coaching contingency as well. Even OC Dana Holgorsen said, "(Michigan) showed us what it should look like, quite frankly." Hopefully that means that Nebraska will go buy some bigger guys for the trenches who can manhandle and push the opposing team, rather than what happened over and over again two weeks ago.

On to the battle this week. Junior QB Aiden Chiles is 6' 3" and 225. Word is he can expand the pocket and is a dual threat. Think Cincinnati Bearcat QB Brendan Sorsby but a little better perhaps. He has 154 yards on the ground on 39 carries so far this year. This makes me nervous for a repeat performance by the Husker defense in giving up QB (or RB) chunk run plays. They have a couple good tough running backs too. Oh the luxury.... Sparty also boasts some of the best wide receivers the Huskers will face. Not a good time for Blackshirt Malcom Hartzog to be on the injured list.

The Huskers will have a more evenly matched challenge on the O-line this week. I also suspect there will be changes at both tackle spots. Chatter says expensive O-Line transfer Elijah Pritchett will see more time at left tackle and Gunnar Gottula may also be moved over to the right tackle spot. Huskers need to find the best version of the O-Line and soon because you can't have a successful run game if you can't get a push and move some bodies. 86th in rushing yards is just crap. Fortunately, Nebraska is also better on 3rd downs than Michigan State. Keep an eye on that stat during the game.

OC Dana Holgorsen teased that Nebraska will show something "new" this week in regard to a run game. I find this an interesting comment given the other statement by him on Tuesday that he's "not going to keep calling plays if it's not working," That comment seemed confusing because he also said he wanted more balance on his offense with the run and pass game. Not having a second running back emerge in October is not something I thought I would be discussing either. Is Dana bringing in a fullback? Is he putting guys in a wishbone? Time will tell. Whatever it is it needs to work and it needs to preserve RB1 Emmett Johnson for the rest of season.

The downside for Michigan State, and good news for Big Red, is that the pass defense for Sparty is sparse, AND they give up a score 67% of the time the opponent is in the red zone. However, on a very windy day Raiola's passing game may be limited. That being said, I do think Dylan Raiola can get his flex on against the Spartans. I want a comfortable Husker margin. I don't want this to be another rinse repeat of the 5 previous meetings with Michigan State to where it comes down to 1 score, especially knowing that Michigan State's special teams have the #1 ranked punt returner. Husker Special Teams Coach Mike Ekeler better have his guys on the ready.

Inasmuch as it will be WAY too hot for a football game in October, I was inspired by cocktails enjoyed on a beach. Lemonade also came to mind because the Michigan game left me with a sour taste in my mouth. So out of lemons come lemonade. One of the most popular jello shots is mixing Sweat Tea vodka with lemon jello. 1 cup water to 3/4 cup alcohol. Make sure to hydrate Saturday while you enjoy hanging out with your friends at the tailgate.

The keys for Nebraska to win a game they SHOULD win (favored by 11.5 - 10.5) are to 1- score once they reach the red zone. Raiola needs to get the ball out quicker which shouldn't be an issue as the Spartan defense is not known for QB pressures, Huskers need that elusive quick start. 2 - Big Red must limit Michigan State's explosive plays and keep Aiden Chiles in the pocket. 3 -The Blackshirts need to get off blocks and tackle better. Let's see if all the talk about the bye week having "violent and physical" practices actually translates to the field. Honestly, this is a blueprint for every game. Wear your sunscreen and bring a hat that stays on tightly. Most of all make that home game environment count. As always, Go Big Red!

Lagniappe: It's homecoming and Nebraska football is 86-24 all time in these games. Look for Mekhai Nelson to have more snaps. Last week Brendan Sorsby had the best PFF grade at 92.9. Maybe the Blackshirts are actually better than they showed against Michigan.