Crucial officiating penalties, a wave of sidelined starters, and a crushing late-half touchdown surge ultimately derailed the Spartans' momentum despite a gritty second-half comeback effort in East Lansing.
Injuries and a handful of highly questionable calls proved costly for Michigan State on Saturday as the Spartans fell to Nebraska at home.
Michigan State had opportunities throughout the afternoon, but missed chances, turnovers, injuries and several controversial officiating decisions ultimately kept the Spartans from completing the comeback.
Here’s how it all unfolded.
A Promising Start Quickly Turns
Michigan State put together an impressive opening drive, highlighted by a 23-yard connection from Alessio Milivojevic to Cam Edwards. However, the drive stalled and the Spartans settled for a field goal.
The defense appeared ready to give Michigan State another opportunity immediately.
The Spartans forced Nebraska into a three-and-out and even blocked the ensuing punt. But a holding penalty wiped away the play and, instead of getting the ball back in favorable field position, Michigan State watched Nebraska receive a first down.
The Cornhuskers capitalized immediately, turning the extended possession into a 61-yard touchdown pass that completely shifted the momentum inside Spartan Stadium.
A game that appeared to be 3-0 with Michigan State getting the ball back suddenly became a 7-3 Nebraska lead.
Nebraska continued to build on that momentum in the second quarter, putting together a nine-play drive that ended with a four-yard rushing touchdown.
Michigan State then tried to keep both quarterbacks involved, but Cam Fancher threw an interception that sent an already tired defense back onto the field. The defense managed to hold Nebraska to a field goal, but the damage had been done.
The Spartans had gone from an early 3-0 lead to trailing 17-3.
Spartans Rally Despite Injuries
Michigan State finally began to respond.
With starting running back Cam Edwards dealing with a knee injury and sidelined, the Spartans turned to Jaziun Patterson. Patterson carried the ball seven times on the drive and capped it with a two-yard touchdown run.
Suddenly, Michigan State had life.
The Spartans were within one score at 17-10 and had started to regain some momentum.
Unfortunately for Michigan State, the defense couldn't hold Nebraska before halftime.
The Cornhuskers put together another drive late in the second quarter, marching down the field and scoring a touchdown with just two seconds remaining.
Instead of heading into halftime down one score, Michigan State entered the locker room trailing 24-10.
The injuries continued to pile up in the second half.
The Spartans' defense opened the third quarter with a strong stand, but star linebacker Jordan Hall — who has battled injuries throughout the season — was forced into the medical tent and remained there through Michigan State's entire ensuing offensive possession.
The Spartans managed to come away with a field goal, cutting the deficit to 24-13.
Then came one of the biggest moments of the game.
Controversy, Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
After another big defensive stop, Michigan State began driving again.
Chrishon McCray delivered one of the most spectacular catches of the season, hauling in a one-handed grab on a second-down play to keep the Spartans' drive alive.
It was the kind of play that felt like it could spark a comeback.
Unfortunately, Nebraska's defense responded on the very next play.
Milivojevic was hit hard under pressure and lost the football, giving possession back to Nebraska.
But Michigan State's defense wasn't finished.
The Spartans came up with a massive fourth-and-1 stop with 6:30 remaining in the third quarter, giving the offense another opportunity to close the gap.
This time, Michigan State began to find the momentum it had been missing all afternoon.
A phenomenal catch by Jayden Savoury moved the Spartans deep into Nebraska territory and appeared to put Michigan State in position to make things very interesting.
However, the catch was overturned following a review.
Michigan State ultimately settled for a field-goal attempt, but Liam Boyd was unable to convert, leaving the Spartans empty-handed.
From there, the defense began to wear down.
Nebraska continued to find ways to move the football, while Michigan State struggled to consistently generate stops. Milivojevic eventually felt the pressure to make something happen and threw a late interception, effectively ending the Spartans' chances of completing the comeback.
Nebraska left Spartan Stadium with the victory.
The Season Is Far From Over
For Michigan State, this was a frustrating afternoon filled with missed opportunities.
The Spartans dealt with injuries to key players, struggled with turnovers and saw several critical plays go against them after penalties and reviews.
But the season is far from over.
Michigan State now finds itself on a two-game losing streak, but there are still plenty of games remaining on the schedule and plenty of opportunities for this team to respond.
The Spartans will have to put this one behind them quickly.
Next up is Wisconsin, with Michigan State traveling to face the Badgers next Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
