Game-Changing Special Teams and an Improved Blackshirts Unit Tell the Story of Nebraska’s Win Over MSU

by T.J. Birkel

Nebraska surged to a 14-0 1st quarter lead over Michigan State on Saturday, and it seemed like the Huskers might put the Spartans away early. Then the Big Red failed to take advantage of numerous highlight plays by the defense and special teams–including two interceptions and an excellent punt return by Jacory Barney–and only clung to a 14-7 lead at halftime. It got worse in the 3rd quarter, when MSU scored two more times to take a 21-14 lead and the Husker offense looked like it couldn’t do anything. Then the game completely flipped again, as Nebraska put their foot down and scored 24 unanswered points to put the Spartans away for good. It was a game of highs, lows, hot temperatures, crazy wind, and ultimately, an ecstatic Memorial Stadium crowd. 

We cover it all in the Topline Takeaways. 

CHEERS TO THAT

Game Changing Special Teams Plays. Even though Nebraska won by 11, and pretty much put the game away when they scored a touchdown to take a 38-21 lead with about four and a half minutes to go, I actually don’t think it’s a stretch to say…

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