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Matchup preview

Nebraska vs Michigan State

Nebraska visit Michigan State in Week 4. The model favors Nebraska by 7.2. Win probability, the tale of the tape, and the all-time series, all from real data.

Win probability
67%
33%

Model win probability from SP+ ratings + home-field edge.

Tale of the tape
Percentile vs FBS · 2025
#46SP+SP+: Bill Connelly's tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency rating, expressed in points above average.#83
#45FPIFPI: ESPN's Football Power Index, an overall measure of team strength.#66
1558EloElo: a rating that rises or falls after each game based on the result and the quality of the opponent.1409
-Title oddsDe-vigged consensus probability to win the national title, averaged across the prediction markets we track.-
NebraskaMichigan Statesolid = better, faded = trailing
What these metrics mean
SP+. SP+: Bill Connelly's tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency rating, expressed in points above average.
FPI. FPI: ESPN's Football Power Index, an overall measure of team strength.
Elo. Elo: a rating that rises or falls after each game based on the result and the quality of the opponent.
Title odds. De-vigged consensus probability to win the national title, averaged across the prediction markets we track.
Off PPA. PPA (Predicted Points Added): the average point value each play adds. Higher is better for offense, lower for defense.
Success. Success rate: the share of plays that stay on schedule (roughly 50% of needed yards on 1st down, 70% on 2nd, 100% on 3rd/4th). Higher is better.
Explosive. Explosiveness: the average value of a team's successful plays, i.e. how big its good plays are when they hit.
Yards/game. Total yards gained per game.
Success allowed. How often the defense allows an on-schedule play (enough yards for the down). Lower is better.
Havoc. Havoc rate: the share of plays where the defense makes a tackle for loss, forced fumble, interception, or pass breakup.
Yards allowed. Total yards allowed per game. Lower is better.
Efficiency profile
Percentile vs FBS · 2025
Recent series
Series even 3-3
20142025
Head to head
Every meeting in our records
2025
38-27
Nebraska
at Nebraska
2023
20-17
Michigan State
at Michigan State
2021
23-20
Michigan State
at Michigan State
2018
9-6
Nebraska
at Nebraska
2015
39-38
Nebraska
at Nebraska
2014
27-22
Michigan State
at Michigan State
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do Nebraska and Michigan State play?

Week 4 of 2026, on Sep 26, 2026 at Michigan State.

Who is favored?

The model projects Nebraska by 7.2 (67% win probability), from SP+ ratings.

What is the all-time series?

Series even 3-3 over the meetings in our records.

Full schedule →