Tommy Armstrong has spectacular day in 39-38 win over Michigan State
Tommy Armstrong threw the game winning touchdown pass to the Brandon Reilly with 17 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Whether you believe the touchdown should have counted or not, this was the biggest moment of Mike Riley‘s tenure with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It was even bigger than the day he decided to leave Oregon State to lead the Huskers in 2015.
Tommy Armstrong wasn’t perfect. In fact, Armstrong made plenty of mistakes during their 39-38 win over the Michigan State Spartans. However, he continued to battle for every yard throughout the game.
Armstrong finished the game 19 of 33 passing, for 320 yards. He threw two touchdowns, including the game winner. He also threw two interceptions deep in Spartans territory, erasing a chance for points. But that’s why we love and hate Tommy Armstrong at the same time.
In the fourth quarter, Armstrong accounted for three touchdowns. The first two were rushing touchdowns, helping the Huskers stay in contact with the Spartans. Less than two into the final quarter, Armstrong finished off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, sneaking inside the right pylon. After cutting the lead to 31-26, the Huskers went for two and failed.
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
Late in the fourth quarter, Armstrong led another scoring drive with the Huskers hanging on for dear life. Moments after the Spartans took a 38-26 lead, the junior QB led a 53-yard touchdown drive. Thanks to a short kick and 22-yard return by Andy Janovich, the Huskers found the offense in great position.
Armstrong connected with Jordan Westerkamp for a 22 yard catch. He also hit Stanley Morgan Jr. with a couple of passes for 27 yards. After a couple of stuffed runs, Armstrong ran around end for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 38-33. With 1:47 left on the game clock, the Huskers were forced to try an onside kick.
After the defense forced a three-and-out, Armstrong and the Huskers’ offense had to go 91 yards in 55 seconds. This time, the stage was set for the Huskers to prevail. In back to back plays, Armstrong found Westerkamp for a 28-yard catch and a 33-yard catch. On the very next play, he threw his third interception of the game. However, the Spartans dropped the ball in the back of the end zone. With coach Riley at the helm, it would have been another heartbreaking end to a rough season. Instead, the Huskers got a reprieve and Armstrong made the best of it with a game winning 30-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Reilly.
Next: Five Players to Watch vs Michigan State
Armstrong’s performance garnered him Big Ten Offensive Player of the week award. He also kept the Huskers alive for a Bowl game. Currently, the Huskers are (4-6) with two games remaining. Their next opponent is on the road at Rutgers. After a bye week, the Huskers host the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes in the season finale.