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Cornhuskers Pull Away Late in Fierce Big Ten Contest as Nebraska Defeats Michigan State 38-27 LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—The Nebraska Cornhuskers secured their first crucial Big Ten Conference victory of the season on Saturday, overcoming the Michigan State Spartans 38-27 at Memorial Stadium in a match defined by a gritty, low-scoring start and a sudden, decisive scoring burst in the final quarter. The victory lifts Nebraska to a 4-1 overall record and a 1-1 mark in conference play, significantly improving their trajectory for the season, while placing Michigan State at 3-2 (0-2 Big Ten), now facing an increasingly challenging conference schedule. The contest, which took place in difficult conditions marked by gusty southerly winds and high temperatures, was poised precariously throughout the third quarter. Following a sluggish first half where both teams struggled for offensive consistency, Michigan State staged a successful drive to take a 21-14 lead. However, Nebraska responded with an immediate commitment to their ground game, spearheaded by running back Emmett Johnson, who tallied three touchdowns on the afternoon. A 23-yard run by Johnson tied the contest at 21-all, marking the shift in momentum that Nebraska required after being held to just 77 total yards across their initial seven possessions. The game broke open decisively for Nebraska in the fourth quarter, where they posted 17 unanswered points. Kicker Kyle Cunanan's 27-yard field goal early in the final frame edged the Cornhuskers ahead 24-21, a score that felt substantial in a defensive battle. This was followed almost immediately by the play that analysts widely described as the 'backbreaker': a 59-yard screen pass caught by wide receiver Nyziah Hunter.
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Demonstrating remarkable determination, Hunter ran most of the distance to the end zone having lost one of his shoes in the initial defensive traffic, crossing the goal line wearing only one shoe and a sock. The play highlighted a sudden breakdown in the Spartans' resolve and provided the Cornhuskers with a commanding 31-21 lead, which they never relinquished. The game, which saw the previous five meetings between the two programmes decided by a total margin of only 15 points, lived up to its tightly contested history until Nebraska’s late flourish. However, the overall statistical picture underscored the defensive nature of the fixture, with Nebraska finishing with 261 total yards and Michigan State managing just 240. The Cornhuskers’ defensive unit, often dubbed the ‘Blackshirts,’ excelled in limiting the Spartans’ rushing attack and forcing key turnovers. Safety DeShon Singleton was instrumental, recording two crucial interceptions, contributing to a defensive effort that held Michigan State to only 84 rushing yards. Michigan State’s offensive performance was hampered by inefficiency and pressure, particularly around their young quarterback, Aidan Chiles. While Chiles managed two successful touchdown runs, his passing statistics were notably constrained, completing only nine of 23 passes for 85 yards. He was also subjected to four sacks by the Nebraska defence, a persistent issue that saw him briefly leave the field after a hard hit early in the second quarter.
The pressure resulted in a challenging day for the Spartans, who converted only two of 14 third-down opportunities. Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the difficult nature of the conference competition, even in victory. “We were able to win the game in the fourth and scored 38 points,” Coach Rhule stated post-match. “Not the cleanest game we’ve ever had, so we’ll try to get better. I think they’re all going to be like that in the Big Ten. ” Conversely, Michigan State’s Head Coach Jonathan Smith expressed disappointment with his team's inability to sustain pressure. “They played better than us, especially in the fourth quarter,” Coach Smith said. “They earned the win. We’ve got to find a way to play better for four quarters.
” The win carries significant implications for both programmes' seasons. For Nebraska, the victory moves them one step closer to securing bowl eligibility (a minimum of six wins), a goal that has become increasingly realistic for the Cornhuskers under Rhule's leadership. The result also drew positive attention in national opinion polls, with Nebraska returning to the 'others receiving votes' category in the Associated Press Top 25, signalling a shift in the national narrative surrounding the team. For Michigan State, the result deepens their conference difficulties. Starting the Big Ten schedule 0-2 places immediate pressure on the team to perform against future higher-ranked opponents. The inability to close out a competitive game, particularly after holding a lead in the third quarter, will be a major area of focus for Coach Smith and his staff as they attempt to navigate the remainder of the season and prevent the losing streak from continuing. The fixture ultimately served as a defining moment for Nebraska’s resilience, proving their ability to win a 'sloppy game' through complementary football—relying on special teams, opportunistic defence, and a late-game surge in the running attack to overcome offensive struggles. The question remains whether the Spartans can arrest their slide as the intensity of the Big Ten schedule increases.
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