Michigan State Spartans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Rebounding is Critical for Nebraska at Michigan State

Nebraska and Michigan State will face off Saturday in East Lansing, Mich., in a Big Ten matchup that promises intrigue, as both teams have shown strong early-season form despite being outside the Associated Press Top 25.

Nebraska’s Balanced Attack

Nebraska (6-1, 0-0 Big Ten) enters the game well-rested, having last played on Sunday in a dominant 103-72 win over North Florida. The Cornhuskers’ most notable victory came against in-state rival Creighton, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.

Coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized the importance of rebounding against Michigan State, a team known for its physicality on the boards.

“It’s been a backbone of that program for 30 years,” Hoiberg said. “Trying to dominate you physically on the glass. It’s not only physicality, but you have to be mentally tough going into this building as well. Understanding that they are going to go on runs.”

Nebraska is led by Brice Williams, who averages 18.4 points per game, and Berke Buyuktuncel, the team’s top rebounder at 6.7 boards per game. The Cornhuskers have been scoring efficiently, putting up 83.3 points per game this season.

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Michigan State’s Strong Start in Conference Play

Michigan State (7-2, 1-0 Big Ten) is coming off a 90-72 road win over Minnesota in its conference opener. The Spartans had a balanced attack in that game, with four players scoring in double figures and 12 players contributing overall.

Coach Tom Izzo acknowledged the challenges of a quick turnaround, noting that Nebraska will be fresher after a longer break.

“They run a lot of stuff and it’s a two-day prep,” Izzo said. “They’ve been off since Sunday and we have a two-day prep, and that’s tough. That’s one of the things about the new conference and the new ways.”

Michigan State is averaging 81.6 points per game and has leaned heavily on its rebounding prowess, outrebounding opponents by 9.4 boards per game. Jaden Akins leads the Spartans in scoring at 12.4 points per game.

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Key to the Game: Rebounding

Rebounding is expected to be a decisive factor in this matchup. Michigan State’s dominance on the glass has been a cornerstone of its success under Izzo, and Nebraska will need to match that intensity to stay competitive.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are eager to bolster their resumes and gain an edge in Big Ten play. With just one regular-season meeting between the two in the revamped conference schedule, this game could hold significant implications for both teams’ postseason ambitions.