The undefeated run has come to an end in Lincoln as No. 5 Nebraska suffered its first loss of the season against No. 3 Michigan, but there is no reason the Huskers should be hanging their heads. Granted, Nebraska didn't play a perfect game, and there will always be things anyone can go back and want to change, but the Huskers showed a lot in this loss.
Nebraska only lost by three points in a game where three of the five starters were playing with four fouls by the final buzzer. Both teams struggled to score at times, but Nebraska was able to really make Michigan uncomfortable at times and even help build a small lead going into halftime.
There will always be the argument about the refs, but name a game where there isn't that argument. Guys have to play the game that is called. There are things that Nebraska can learn from in this game, but there are also some really great things the Huskers showed. So, here are three reasons that Nebraska fans shouldn't go near that panic button, even after the Huskers first loss of the season.
Nebraska won the turnover battle
As mentioned earlier, Nebraska was able to make Michigan really uncomfortable at times, even in their own gym. The Huskers were hounding the Wolverines all night as they won the turnover battle 19-11. Nebraska definitely needs to cut down on some of those turnovers, but to force the ball away 19 times against a very disciplined Michigan team is saying something.
The Huskers hounded Michigan all night with steals
Nebraska's defense was something that the Huskers were able to lean on at times, especially with getting into the passing lanes. Nebraska had 13 steals compared to Michigan's five. So even if shots were falling on offense, Nebraska was making up for it defensively.
The 3-point shot was falling better for Nebraska
It felt like in the first half, both teams were lighting it up from beyond the arc, but in the second half, those shots were falling with as much ease. However, Nebraska was able to find rhythm again, unlike Michigan, from the three-point line.
Nebraska shot 34% from beyond the arc while Michigan shot for only 23%. The three-ball was working for the Huskers; they just struggled to get the open shot late, especially when they needed it to tie the game.