Nebraska Football: Grading the Huskers win over Michigan State

Defense: A

I probably should have given the Huskers an A+ for their effort against Michigan State. Had someone scooped up the fumble forced by Antonio Reed and scored it, the Blackshirts would have gotten the plus. Yet, they still deserve incredibly high marks for their performance Saturday.

The Huskers not only held Michigan State to six total points, but the Blackshirts also made impact plays. Nebraska football notched one sack, seven tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and forced two turnovers. Lombardi completed just 15-of-41 passes for 146 yards. The Huskers also intercepted him once and forced a fumble, which led to the game-tying field goal.

Michigan State tried to ram the ball down the throats of the Huskers, attempting 38 rushes. The Spartans got 143 yards but that’s an average of just 3.8. Essentially, MSU tried to bully Nebraska and the Huskers weren’t having it.

The Blackshirts have had a rough season, but it was fitting that they ended up being the heroes in the biggest win of the season. Reed especially had a heck of a game. He forced the fumble, picked off a pass, notched a tackle for loss and got the sack. After that, he should definitely get his Blackshirt.