Nebraska Football Miniseries: Down Goes Sparty Part 1

Nebraska football had a game for the ages on this night.

Here is a breakdown of one of the best college football upsets from 2015. Many assumed a win from Nebraska against Michigan State would substitute for the absence a bowl game. Well, we still went bowling but it was one of the better wins during the Riley era. Enjoy!

Early in the first half, we saw the Huskers come out firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball on the opening drive of the game. Nebraska’s defense stopped Michigan State’s momentum dead in its tracks on a fourth and one from the Cornhusker 25. The Blackshirts stood up the running back, stopping him short of the line to gain.

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Following that stop, momentum had shifted in favor of the home team as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead with 2:07 left in the first quarter after quarterback Tommy Armstrong completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp.

Michigan State came back with a counter punch of their own after Nebraska struck first to take the early lead. Connor Cook settled down after experiencing some early jitters undoubtedly due in part to the roaring crowd, as well as from some frustration after missing the mark and not connecting with his intended receivers. He ended the first quarter with a stat line of three-of-nine for nine yards.

Cook battled back and helped the Spartans take a 17-13 lead into the locker room after completing a strike to his receiver for an 18-yard touchdown with 17 seconds left in the half.

Nebraska got the ball to start the second half and came out on their first drive splitting carries between Imani Cross and Terrell Newby. Eventually, it set up a pass play as Armstrong connected with Alonzo Moore for a 43-yard reception. The catch by Moore brought the Huskers inside Michigan State’s one-yard line. That set up Cross nicely for a one-yard TD, allowing the Huskers to take the lead 20-17.

Michigan State responded once again with two more touchdowns of their own, giving them a  31-20 lead late in the 3rd quarter.

One touchdown stung a bit more than the other as it was set up off an interception by Armstrong, in the red zone as he threw the ball right to the linebacker for his second pick of the game. both of his picks came in potential scoring position.