Nebraska vs. Michigan St Recap: Three Turnovers Sink the Spartans

Nebraska beat Michigan State 31-13. The Spartans kicked a field goal for a 3-0 lead, and then Nebraska scored the next 17 points. Anthony Colandrea's 13-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Genatone with two seconds left in the half made it 24-10, and Michigan State only managed one more field goal. Nebraska won the turnover battle 3-0, outgained Michigan State 369 to 257, and held the Spartans to 39 rushing yards on 32 attempts. Three DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Nebraska ML (-230 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Nebraska was 3-0 and had allowed 35 points total. Michigan State was missing its tight end, fullback, a linebacker, a safety and two offensive linemen. Called by Darius.
• What happened: Nebraska won by 18 and never trailed after the first quarter. The defense picked off two passes and recovered a fumble, and Nebraska itself had no turnovers.
• Worth watching: The read on the Nebraska defense was right, and -230 fit the size of the edge going in.

ALT: Michigan State team total Under 27.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Nebraska allowed 11.7 points and 118 passing yards per game, 7th in FBS. A 49.5 total with Nebraska -6.5 pointed to about 21.5 points for Michigan State.
• What happened: Michigan State scored 13, finishing 14.5 under. Its drives ended in two interceptions, a lost fumble and a field goal try that came up empty, and its only touchdown was a 2-yard Jaziun Patterson run in the second quarter.
• Worth watching: Taking six points of cushion over the implied number was the right way to play it. The Spartans passed for 218, more than Nebraska usually allows, and it still wasn't close.

ALT: Colandrea 175+ passing yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Anthony Colandrea was averaging 230.7 passing yards per game with 8 touchdowns and 1 interception.
• What happened: He completed 15 of 27 passes, 212 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, clearing 174.5 by 37.5 yards. Kwazi Gilmer did the most damage with 4 catches for 101 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
• Worth watching: He finished below his average, which is exactly why the alt was the number to play instead of the main line.

How the game played out

Alessio Milivojevic completed 18 of 26 passes, 208 yards, with an interception, and Michigan State lost a fumble. Michigan State's best drive of the second half went 72 yards and ended in an interception. Liam Boyd made field goals from 48 and 46 yards. Colandrea also ran 10 times for 66 yards.

Trends to watch

• Nebraska's run game is a committee. Mekhi Nelson, Colandrea and Isaiah Mozee combined for 32 carries, so any one Nebraska back's rushing line needs care until the split settles.
• Nebraska's defense held Michigan State to 13 points and 39 rushing yards. Opponent team total unders against this defense stay on the board.
• Colandrea's 212 yards came on only 27 throws. An alt around 175 still looks like a steady leg.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to these terms? Read up on the total, the alt line and the moneyline.