Nebraska Football: Game-by-game predictions for Huskers in 2021

The toughest game on the early part of the schedule is the game at old Big-8 rival Oklahoma.

It’s going to be fun to see these old rivals meet again but the Sooners are a legitimate national title contender and have arguably the nation’s best quarterback in Spencer Rattler, who is the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Winning this game feels like a monumental task for the Huskers but this defense is better than people realize and returns almost all of its starters, plus added a five-star DB from Ohio State.

That doesn’t mean Nebraska will win this game, however, if Martinez and company come in playing with confidence, it might be closer than expected.

Score: Oklahoma 38, Nebraska 24 (3-1)

Right after visiting Oklahoma, the Huskers will delve back into Big Ten play with a trip to Michigan State. Even in down years, Nebraska has found some success against the Spartans but this will be the first matchup between Mel Tucker and Frost.

Michigan State was picked seventh by the media in the Big Ten East and it’s hard to know what the Spartans will be this season.

The Huskers haven’t won a lot of games on the road over the years, but they should have the edge at quarterback, as well as a better defense and that should be just enough to win.

Final: Nebraska 20, Michigan State 17 (4-1)