Nebraska defeats Michigan State 31-13, improves to 4-0
Nebraska beat Michigan State 31-13 on the road, moving to 4-0 and drawing attention to its defense, offense and penalty issues.
Nebraska traveled to East Lansing on Saturday and defeated Michigan State 31-13, improving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The win marked the Huskers' first unbeaten start since 2016.
The Huskers' defense increased its impact, recording 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss over the past two games and forcing two interceptions and a strip-sack against the Spartans. While the unit allowed 13 plays of 10 or more yards, it limited Michigan State to 13 points.
Nebraska's offense produced 12 plays of 10 or more yards, including nine in the first half, and sustained long drives that consumed over 12 minutes in the fourth quarter. The performance helped keep the Spartans' possession to just over four minutes in the final period.
Special teams remained a concern, with the unit allowing a punt to be blocked and repeatedly kicking to former Husker Kenneth Williams, who returned four punts for a total of 63 yards.
The defensive line contributed three sacks, including a career-high two sacks by edge rusher Williams Nwaneri, and helped hold Michigan State to 39 rushing yards on 32 attempts. The line has now limited three of Nebraska's four opponents to under 100 rushing yards.
Nebraska has also been penalized seven times for 60 yards in the Michigan State game, bringing its season total to 27 penalties for 235 yards, an issue the coaching staff will need to address in upcoming conference matchups.