The #10 Michigan State Spartans clamped down on the #19 Nebraska Cornhuskers' talented rushing attack (#2 in the FBS in total yards coming in) the first half, riding the momentum given to them by their defense to a 17-0 halftime lead.
Our Cornhuskers/Spartans Halftime Quick Hitters
Michigan State's D continued to frustrate Nebraska offense at every turn in the second half of this Big Ten showdown, nullifying the Cornhuskers' attack in the third quarter. However, Nebraska would roar back with a 19-point 4th quarter (getting to within 5 on a 62-yard kick return for a TD by De'Mornay Pierson-El), only to fall just barely short as Michigan State escaped with a 27-22 victory.
Turning Point:
Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. attempted to put an extremely rough night behind him by almost putting together one of the greatest drives in Nebraska football history. Down 27-22 with just over a minute left, Armstrong hit a streaking Alonzo Moore for 44 yards down the far sideline. In Michigan State territory with just over 40 seconds left, the Huskers seemingly had momentum on their side.
However, he would throw a game-sealing interception just two plays later, drilling one straight at MSU's Trae Waynes (his second pick of the night) that killed Nebraska's shocking comeback bid.
Michigan State MVP: WR Tony Lippett continued his convincing 2014 Heisman Trophy candidacy with another stellar night in East Lansing. Lippett amassed 136 combined yards (102 receiving and 34 rushing), burning the Cornhuskers for a TD both via the air and on the ground. His 34-yard TD rush came on a double reverse late in the third quarter, extending the Spartans' lead to 27-3 and giving Michigan State just enough to stave off the Huskers.
Nebraska MVP: RB Ameer Abdullah (and the entire Nebraska side) had a horrible night altogether (24 carries, 45 yards), as he was shadowed by Michigan State's front seven no matter which hole he chose. He gets the nod as Nebraska's MVP for sticking with the program when all seemed lost, rushing for a pair of short touchdowns to give the Cornhuskers life.
It was his never-say-die attitude (along with that of the Cornhuskers defense) that sparked Nebraska to nearly pulling off a miraculous victory down 27-3 in front of a hostile Michigan State crowd.
What’s Next? The Spartans (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) head to West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers at 3:30pm EST time next Saturday. Nebraska (5-1 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) will have to dust themselves off during their bye week before travelling to Northwestern for an October 18th showdown with a Wildcats team that upended #17 Wisconsin on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.
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