But when it is all said and done, the trip to Lincoln, Neb. was just one loss. Fast forward to about 6:00 of this sideline video to get an idea of just how insane it got down on Tom Osborne Field. Did Nebraska get a gift call from the officials? Michigan State will have to pick up the pieces starting next week when they head back home to host the Maryland Terrapins.
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But it has to come one week at a time, as Dantonio said: “There are a lot of big games between now and then that will affect those final four spots and how people are ranked”.
Current assistant coach Billy Hall played against Izzo’s Spartans when he was a freshman. Their fourth quarter work to this point in the season has been stellar, so close games have tilted in the Spartans favor. Nebraska has started 20 different players both on offense and defense mostly due to injury. But better balance ensued in the game, with 36 rushes and 33 passes. All but one of their losses, last week’s 55-45 defeat at Purdue, have come by less than a touchdown. That makes this a solid B+ outing.
Michigan State opened up their season with an easy victory over Division II opponent Northern Michigan, winning last night by 41 points. “That’s what we’re going to do, I hope really soon, I hope Saturday”. These last two seasons, ending in wins in the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl, have been the highlights of the Mark Dantonio Era, and they’ve been trademarked by stellar defensive play. Clearly, this coaching staff likes his presence in passing situations. They once again failed the two point conversion.
It’s not over as long as MSU wins the remainder of its games.
Replays certainly made it appear debatable, at least, as to whether the officials were correct in their assessment.
Offensive Line: Yes, Alex Lewis had a false start, and Dylan Utter had a holding penalty.
Nebraska countered with a solid drive, but Armstrong threw an interception in Spartan territory. Michigan State is 19th in the nation in rush defense, and Nebraska could have run more, if the coaches wanted. Did you notice Cook having to step up in the pocket before throwing the ball away? That was the difference between victory and having to face another Hail Mary attempt. But we saw Gerald Holmes get to the third level and beyond way too much in this game.
Secondary: Nate Gerry must have read his press clippings this week, right or wrong, as he stepped up big time. Nebraska is giving up 424.3 yards per game and is the worst FBS team at defending the pass, allowing 315.9 in the air.
“We want to do better for everybody”, he said.
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And things should be looking up for the ground game because All-America center Jack Allen and bookend tackles Jack Conklin and Kodi Kieler are the healthiest they’ve been in weeks. That’s the challenge facing this team. The last few years games against Michigan State have been very entertaining and I would expect this game to be another one like those before it. Can Nebraska pull the upset of Michigan State?
