Michigan State’s comeback against Nebraska was dashed by two special teams blunders which led to points.
The Spartans lost a hard-fought away game against Nebraska 38-27 on Oct. 4.
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Slow Start
After Nebraska scored a touchdown on the opening drive, Michigan State’s offense stalled in three plays and opted to punt from their own 33 yard-line.
The Spartans backed up five yards after a snap infraction penalty was called on long snapper Jack Wills. The penalty led to a costly turnover as Nebraska blocked the punt and returned it for a touchdown.
Nebraska had a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half.
Comeback efforts hurt by errors
The Spartans found their rhythm in the second half and even took a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter after an Aidan Chiles touchdown run.
Nebraska evened the score at the end of the third quarter with a 75-yard drive capped off by a 23-yard touchdown run by Emmet Johnson.
After the Nebraska touchdown, MSU lost all offensive momentum due to an inexcusable special teams error. Two MSU returners collided as they both attempted to fair catch the ball at the same time. The ball was muffed and Nebraska recovered it deep in Spartan territory.
Michigan State’s defense displayed resilience by holding the Cornhuskers to a field goal but the offense had completely lost its rhythm.
The Spartans’ next two drives went three-and-out as Chiles was unable to complete passes while under heavy duress.
Nebraska put the game in jeopardy when Dylan Raiola completed a 59-yard touchdown pass to Nyziah Hunter, which put the Cornhuskers up 31-21.
The Spartans still had a fighting chance but again was unable to get a first down, turning the ball over on downs in their own territory.
Nebraska iced the game with another touchdown putting them up 38-21.
MSU scored a touchdown with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter on an drive led by backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.
Costly mistakes
Despite how ugly this game was for the Spartans, they only lost by 11 points. Nebraska scored 10 points off of Michigan State’s special teams errors.
Accounting for a failed MSU two-point conversion late in the game, the points scored from special teams turnovers made the difference in this game.
Even Chiles’ two interceptions weren’t as costly as the special teams errors because the turnovers didn’t lead to points.
The special teams errors seemingly had an effect the offense’s rhythm, confidence and momentum as the Spartans repeatedly went three-and-out.
Nebraska has one of the top ranked defenses in the country, so it was expected if MSU was to win this game, it would be ugly. However, the numerous unforced errors throughout gives the impression that MSU let a winnable game slip away.
Positive takeaways
The Spartans still displayed some encouraging aspects in this game including five sacks on Raiola and two offensive drives capped off by Milivojevic touchdowns.
MSU’s defense had struggled to get to the quarterback this season but a more balanced mix of blitzes and cover plays allowed the Spartans to create more pressure and tackle Raiola in the backfield.
Milivojevic made the most of his opportunity when Chiles left the game for a possession at the start of the second quarter and during the Spartans’ final offensive possession.
Milivojevic recorded his first completion, passing touchdown and rushing touchdown of his career during the game, finishing with 71 passing yards, one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown.
Each game in this final seven-game stretch will be pivotal as the level of competition is be stiff. The Spartans face UCLA at home next week and then Indiana(Away), Michigan(Home), Minnesota(Away), Penn State(Home), Iowa(Away) and Maryland(Home).