Nebraska’s historic 17-game win streak faces its toughest test yet against No. 9 Michigan State in Lincoln — a game that could define both teams’ seasons and set the tone for the Big Ten race.
The nation’s longest active win streak will be on the line when No. 13 Nebraska hosts No. 9 Michigan State in a Big Ten Conference game on Friday night in Lincoln, Neb. This matchup isn’t just another game — it’s a crossroads for both programs.
The host Cornhuskers (13-0, 2-0 Big Ten) have won 17 in a row dating back to last season, the longest win streak in school history. That run has already included a victory over a ranked conference opponent, as they beat then-No. 13 Illinois on the road on Dec. 13. But their recent home performances have been a warning: they trailed at home to both North Dakota and New Hampshire before turning it on in the second half and winning by 23 and 31 points, respectively.
Michigan State (12-1, 2-0) has won four straight since a six-point home loss to then-No. 4 Duke. The Spartans have three wins over ranked foes, beating Kentucky, Arkansas and North Carolina in nonconference play. They’re ranked fourth in the country in defense, but their offense has been volatile — scoring a season-high 114 points against Cornell while also allowing 97. That inconsistency is a key vulnerability for Nebraska to exploit.
Nebraska’s rotation lost a player in late November when guard Connor Essegian suffered a season-ending injury, but in the win over New Hampshire it saw the debut of transfer Ugnius Jarusevicius. The 6-foot-11 senior, who played last season at Central Michigan, had seven points and two rebounds in 11 minutes. “We’re going to need that size,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said, noting Michigan State often has three players at least 6-foot-9 on the court. “That’s what we’re going to see every night for the remaining 18 games of our schedule.”
Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort are averaging 16.5 points apiece for Nebraska, providing a reliable scoring duo. But the Cornhuskers’ success hinges on their ability to control the tempo and avoid falling behind early — a pattern that has defined their recent losses. “We’ve just gone one game at a time, that’s how we’ve prepared and that’s what we’re going to do,” Hoiberg said. “Whatever happens you have to find a way to bounce back.”
Michigan State’s offense is led by senior guard Jaxon Kohler, who is posting a double-double on a nightly basis, averaging 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while also shooting 46.7% from 3-point range. The Spartans regularly play 10 guys, with four averaging double figures in scoring. Coach Tom Izzo is confident his team can outscore opponents — “We’re just going to outscore some people,” he said — but he’s also concerned about consistency. “I want to guard somebody again on a regular basis. I don’t think some of these guys have been the same since we played Duke.”
Michigan State is seeking its second consecutive 3-0 start in Big Ten play after starting 9-0 last season. It has won 12 of the last 13 over Nebraska but fell in Lincoln on the last visit in 2023. “It’s going to be fun to go to Nebraska,” Izzo said. “That crowd is sensational. Students gone has no bearing. None. It’s a unique place.”
For Nebraska, a win would not only keep their perfect record intact but also make them 3-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since 2016-17. The Cornhuskers have won their last two matchups with top-10 opponents, though those came in the 2023-24 season and included a 16-point victory over then-No. 1 Purdue. This game is more than a statement — it’s a chance to solidify their position as the top team in the conference.
Both teams are in the midst of defining their seasons. Nebraska is building momentum toward a historic campaign, while Michigan State is chasing consistency after a strong nonconference run. The outcome of this game will not only determine the winner of a marquee matchup but also set the tone for the rest of the Big Ten season.
For fans, this is a must-watch game. The stakes are high, the talent is elite, and the narrative is clear: Nebraska’s historic streak faces its toughest test yet — and Michigan State’s defense will be the first to challenge it.
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