Ameer Abdullah
Ameer Abdullah leads the country with 833 rushing yards so far this season.
(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
At the beginning of each week, we'll take an early look at Michigan State's upcoming opponent by zeroing in on some interesting numbers.
This week, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Since Nebraska began Big Ten play in 2011, it has owned the Michigan State rushing defense. On average, the Cornhuskers have rushed for 133.10 yards more than the Michigan State defense allows the rest of its opponents. In 2013, the Spartans defense allowed an average of 86.57 rushing yards per game. Nebraska rushed for 182. In 2012, the Spartans defense allowed an average of 98.62 rushing yards per game. Nebraska rushed for 313. In 2011, the Spartans defense allowed an average 100.5 rushing yards per game. Nebraska rushed for 190.
Nebraska has averaged more points against Michigan State than any other team over the past three seasons. Cornhuskers head coach Bo Pelini is 2-1 against Mark Dantonio since joining the Big Ten. Nebraska won 24-3 in 2011 and 28-24 in 2012 before losing to the Spartans for the first time in history in 2013, 41-28. Nebraska's 26.67 points per game over the past three seasons is four points more than Notre Dame (22.67) has averaged against MSU over the same period. Michigan has averaged the fewest points against MSU over the same period at just 10.67 points.
Nebraska senior running back Ameer Abdullah leads the country with 833 rushing yards so far this season. He is second in the country (behind Indiana's Tevin Coleman) with his per game average of 166.6 yards. Abdullah has been carrying the ball roughly 22 times per game and rushing for just over seven yards each time he touches the ball.
While Nebraska's rushing offense may rank No. 3 in the country, the passing offense lags severely behind. Despite a weak strength of schedule, with an average of 217.8 yards in five games, the Cornhuskers' passing offense ranks 82nd in the country. Against Illinois this past Saturday, whose passing defense ranks No. 71 in the country, starting quarterback Tommy Armstrong went 10 of 21 for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Nebraska has scored on 95.45 percent of its trips to the red zone so far this season. In five games, the Cornhuskers have converted 21 of their 22 trips inside the 20-yard line. The conversion rate currently ranks No. 9 in the country. Of Nebraska's 21 conversions, 17 have been touchdowns and four have been field goals.
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