Harlon Barnett gives initial impressions of Nebraska

One of the Big Ten’s hotter teams and one of its coldest teams will meet up this weekend when Nebraska heads to East Lansing to play Michigan State.

Still, Harlon Barnett had no problem giving the Cornhuskers their respect for what they’ve accomplished as of late. As he said during his press conference on Monday, he chalked their streak of five wins in six games to a flexible program that is now accustomed to one another and is making good changes on the fly to help themselves win.

“I just think, with a new staff, getting used to one another and players getting used to the coaches? I think they’ve found themselves a little bit here now and got a rhythm going,” said Barnett. ‘They’re playing well.”

“Credit to them. I believe they found out what they’re good at as a team, as a coaching staff,” Barnett said. “They’re just trying to use that and put guys in the best positions to be successful.”

Nebraska did not start Matt Rhule’s first season off on a high note at 0-2. They did play a pair of tough road games at Minnesota and Colorado but, nonetheless, their offense was costing them with just 24 total points and eight turnovers.

In the six weeks since then, though, the ‘Huskers have found what works for them. Their calling card remains on the defensive end with a Top-25 unit that’s allowing just 18.6 points and under 300 yards per game. Then, offensively, they’ve made strides after they changed up their approach with an average of 26.2 points in their five wins since mid-September.

Barnett gave Nebraska their credit ahead of their contest this weekend. Even so, he’s hoping to see their hot streak come to an end at the hands of his Spartans since they themselves have lost six games in a row.

Michigan State DL Simeon Barrow withdraws from transfer portal

Michigan State DL Simeon Barrow has withdrawn from the transfer portal, On3’s Matt Zenitz has learned. He officially entered the portal earlier this week.

Barrow is one of three players to enter the portal after the firing of Mel Tucker. Per NCAA rules, Michigan State players have a 30-day window to transfer following the coaching change.

Barrow has 19 total tackles, four solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks through seven games this year. A product of Grovetown (GA) High School, he was a three-star recruit and the No. 783-ranked prospect in the nation from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.