Huskers outlast Spartans to capture first Big Ten victory of season

LINCOLN, Neb. — Winning in the Big Ten isn’t easy, but the Huskers are starting to figure out ways to be successful as they navigate through conference play.

Nebraska is trending up after putting together a clutch fourth quarter performance to down Michigan State 38-27 in front of a sold out crowd at Memorial Stadium Saturday night. It was the Huskers’ first Big Ten win of the year, and proved that they utilized their bye-week. At the end of the day it wasn’t pretty, but Coach Matt Rhule made the necessary adjustments, and took advantage of the wind in the second half.

If it wasn’t for the officials calling back two touchdowns, the Huskers would’ve scored on offense, defense and special teams. Still, Rhule is proud of the way his team went through adversity, persevered, scored 38 points and delivered for Big Red Nation when it mattered the most.

“They didn’t just sit back, they just kept battling and fighting, and that’s been my challenge to our guys, 60 minutes of us playing hard,” Rhule said. It’s going to be hard for teams to withstand, and in the end it’s basically a 17-point win.”

Nebraska (4-1) got off to a hot start with two first quarter touchdowns, including a return on a blocked punt. Within a blink of an eye,  the Huskers were up 14-0. Michigan State (3-2) responded with a 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took nearly 10 minutes off the clock. Despite leading 14-7 at halftime, Nebraska left some points off the scoreboard.

A nice punt return by Jacory Barney put the offense in great field position midway through the second half. However, Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen called three consecutive drop back passes, that all ended with quarterback Dylan Raiola sacked. Not to mention one of those plays included a false start. It was obvious the offensive line became a liability, and struggled to get a good push at the point of attack. In return, that limited the plays Holgorsen could call, and Raiola’s time in the pocket, which frustrated Rhule.

“I’m really proud of Dylan today, early on there I was like hang in there, and he kept getting angrier and angrier until he finally exploded,” he said. “Those long stretches without the ball, and trying to get back out there, that’s what Michigan State does, they try to eat up clock.”

The Spartans scored 21 unanswered points, and even took the lead before a light bulb clicked on for the Huskers. Raiola orchestrated a five-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown run by running back Emmett Johnson, which was his second score of the afternoon. A 27-yard field goal by Kyle Cunanan gave the Huskers back the lead, and they never surrendered it the rest of the way.

Nebraska scored 24 unanswered points in the second half, including a 59-yard touchdown pass from Raiola to Nyziah Hunter to put the game out of reach. Michigan State did score an additional touchdown, but it happened in the final three minutes of the contest. The 75-yard drive was led by the Spartans’ backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, but the Blackshirts had already let their guard down.

Once the smoke cleared, Nebraska led Michigan State in total offense, passing yards, yards per play, and third down efficiency. Rhule wasn’t happy about the Spartans leading the Huskers in first downs, plays and time of possession. On top of that, Michigan State converted four of its’ five fourth down attempts. Still, the Blackshirts tackled better, generated four sacks and smothered the Spartans’ offense over the final 15 minutes.

Signal-caller Aidan Chiles only completed nine of his 23 passes for 85 yards and two interceptions. Michigan State only managed 84 yards on the ground, and converted just two of its’ 14 third down attempts. The Spartans’ lack of production on offense was a testament of the Blackshirts’ tenacity to Rhule.

“Our whole defensive focus this week was to stop the run, no big plays and to tackle,” the 50-year old said. “We held them under 100 yards rushing, I know we’re not a very good run defense, but were today and I mean that sincerely.”

Linebacker Javin Wright tallied a game-high, 10 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Vincent Shavers Jr., added nine stops, including six solo and two for loss. The defensive MVP of the day was safety DeShon Singleton, who produced six tackles, and hauled in two interceptions. He even returned a fumble for a score, but it was later ruled a forward pass.

The Blackshirts complimented the offense in the second half, and allowed Raiola to build a cushion. He wound up completing 16 of his 24 passes for 194 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Raiola also absorbed five sacks, and held onto the ball too long at times.

Johnson rushed for a game-high, 83 yards and three touchdowns. The running back also led the team with six catches. Barney was explosive, and finished with 128 all-purpose yards, including 47 receiving. The wideout looked dynamic when he returned punts, and Barney even had a touchdown called back for a hold.

Rhule is happy to be on the winning side of a thriller. After all, the Huskers displayed poise under pressure, which lacked in Rhule’s first two years with the program. In Rhule’s eyes that shows growth, and the team is going to ride that wave of momentum as they approach their first Big Ten road game of the year in week seven.

“We’re not trying to prove anything, we’re trying to play good football and it’s really hard, the Big Ten is hard.”