Nebraska had nothing to lose and everything to gain against Michigan State.
2015 brought the Nebraska Football faithful more sorrow than joy, in the first season of the Mike Riley era. Heartbreaking losses became the norm for a program that once seemed allergic to it.
During the season, some fans were thinking that it could only get worse before it gets better, while others believed it was karma for firing Bo Pelini following the previous season after he strung together several consecutive nine-win seasons at the helm.
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A state that once came together in unison year after year to cheer on the boys’ in red and white now seemed divided.
However, for one night in November, that would all change as the 3-6 Huskers shocked the college football world and defeated the then-unbeaten Michigan State Spartans under the lights at Memorial Stadium.
Coming into the contest, Nebraska had suffered several injuries at key skill positions throughout the season. It seemed like they would never have them on the field at the same time to prove that this team was better than their record showed. It also didn’t help that four of their six losses on the season were decided on the final play of those respective games, leading many to wonder where the team’s psyche was at heading into the match-up. Doubters be damned as the Huskers proved they weren’t ready to lay down and die just yet.
On the other hand, the Spartans were having a season for the history books, coming into Lincoln 8-0 on the year. Led by Senior Quarterback Connor Cook, they had some close games of their own, but the numbers he had been putting up to that point had his name in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy.
A combination of all of these factors set the stage for a special night in Lincoln. However, not many could have predicted what would unfold that night.