Nebraska’s 31-13 win at Michigan State wasn’t just another mark in the win column. It was the kind of road performance that makes people sit up and wonder how high this thing can go - while also reminding everyone there’s still plenty to clean up.
The Huskers handled a Big Ten opener away from home against a team that had already shown it could hang around. Michigan State had pushed Notre Dame, and plenty of folks figured Saturday could turn into a test. Instead, Nebraska controlled the game well enough to put it away before things got uncomfortable.
Anthony Colandrea was at the center of it all, accounting for 278 total yards and throwing two touchdown passes without an interception. Even with the offense producing only seven points in the second half, Nebraska still finished with 31 and never really let the Spartans build real momentum. The Huskers rolled up 369 yards of offense, converted 6-of-13 third downs, went 4/5 in the red zone, and held the ball for 10 minutes in the fourth quarter.
That last part matters. It wasn’t the flashiest finish, and it wasn’t a perfect offensive stretch, but it was the kind of closing act that travels.
Nebraska also won the physical battle in a way that stood out. The Huskers ran for 157 yards while Michigan State managed just 39.
On defense, Nebraska piled up six sacks, forced three takeaways, and held the Spartans to 3-for-8 on third down. Michigan State’s running backs averaged just over three yards per carry, and once Cam Edwards went out in the first quarter, the Spartans lost their best player.
So yes, the win was convincing. But it also sparked the usual fan split - some people talking themselves into a giant leap, others hunting for reasons to worry.
Both reactions miss the point. Nebraska looked like a good team on Saturday.
It did not look like a finished product.
The offense earned a B+ after a night that featured production, control, and just enough inefficiency to leave room for improvement. The defense got an A for a clean, disruptive outing that kept Michigan State from finding any rhythm.
Special teams checked in at A-, with one blocked punt wiped out by a penalty but the rest of the unit doing its job. The Huskers were also helped by Kenneth Williams, who had a long kick return of 23 and averaged 15 yards per return.
Matt Rhule and his staff also came away with an A. Jamal Rule and Jacory Barney went down with injuries, but Nebraska still found enough answers to score 31 points. Vincent Genatone stepped up in a big way, and Aurich has now held a team to three points or less in a half in three straight games.
The game balls went to Colandrea and Williams Nwaneri. Colandrea’s line was clean and efficient, and his touchdown throw to Kwazi Gilmer stood out as a swing play.
Nwaneri kept flashing like a player who’s beginning to look every bit the five-star prospect, finishing with two sacks and three pressures. The 6-foot-7 defender now has two sacks and two tackles for loss in four games, and he was Nebraska’s best pass rusher against the Spartans.
Nebraska got the result it wanted on the road. The next two weeks will say a lot more about exactly what this team is.
In Other News...
Nebraska Just Lost A Big Reason To Like The Illinois Matchup
Illinois defense is headed into a new era at an awkward time for Nebraskas upcoming trip to Champaign. Bobby Hauck was relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator after Illinois finished his first season as the playcaller ranked 101st nationally in points allowed, and head coach Bret Bielema said the two sides agreed a leadership change was best for the team.
For Nebraska, the timing matters because the Cornhuskers are scheduled to meet Illinois on Nov. 6, and any shake-up on that side of the ball can quickly alter the feel of a matchup. The Illini now have a defense trying to reset in-season preparations under a new voice, which means Nebraska can no longer count on seeing the same version of a unit it may have started planning for months ago. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Fans Face A Tough Memorial Stadium Ticket Reality
Nebraska fans are going to have to get used to a different kind of ticket scramble in the coming years at Memorial Stadium. As part of the University of Nebraskas $600 million renovation project, two major changes to the stadium will force season ticketholders to pick new seats for the 2027 and 2028 football seasons, adding a real layer of uncertainty to a process many supporters have followed for decades.
The project is expected to be finished before the 2028 season, but the road to get there will not be simple. The Holland Computing Center will be relocated, and fans should also expect temporary concessions arrangements during the rebuild, another reminder that this is a sweeping overhaul, not just a facelift. For longtime ticketholders, the next couple of seasons may come with a lot more seat selection stress than game-day comfort. [Read more 🡒]
Andrew Marshall Is Turning Nebraskas Secondary Into A National Story
Andrew Marshall has gone from a transfer addition to one of the biggest reasons Nebraskas defense is getting national attention. After the Week 4 win over Michigan State, he owned the highest PFN Impact Grade among cornerbacks, a fitting snapshot of how disruptive he has been during the Cornhuskers 4-0 start. The former Idaho defensive back has quickly settled into Nebraskas secondary and become a key part of a pass defense that is playing at a high level.
Against Michigan State, Marshall didnt allow a completion on any of the three passes thrown his way and came away with an interception, the kind of outing that reinforces why he has already picked up conference recognition. For Nebraska, the bigger question is how far this secondary can carry a team that looks increasingly legitimate on the national stage, with Marshall now at the center of that conversation. [Read more 🡒]