LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers stunned fans with a late-game eruption, scoring 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Michigan State Spartans and secure a 38-27 victory at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Nebraska’s Grit Shines in Chaotic Battle
This wasn’t your typical Big Ten slugfest. Both teams struggled to find rhythm early, combining for just 138 total yards, five sacks, and eight penalties in a first half that felt more like a wrestling match than a football game. Nebraska jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, thanks to a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a strong opening drive. But the Huskers’ offense sputtered through the second and third quarters, managing just 19 yards on 23 plays over six possessions—a stretch head coach Matt Rhule called “certified disasters”.
Michigan State seized the momentum with a 21-0 run, led by quarterback Aidan Chiles, who scrambled for two touchdowns and briefly left the game after a hard hit, only to return and keep the Spartans in contention. Chiles’ resilience was notable, but Nebraska’s defense kept him under pressure, sacking him four times and intercepting him twice—matching his total picks from the previous four games combined.
Emmett Johnson and Nyziah Hunter Steal the Show
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter. Nebraska kicker Kyle Cunanan nailed a 27-yard field goal to break a 21-all tie. On the very next play, receiver Nyziah Hunter caught a screen pass and sprinted 59 yards for a touchdown—losing his shoe in the process and finishing the run in just a red sock and one white cleat. “That was a backbreaker,” admitted Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith.
Running back Emmett Johnson was the engine for Nebraska, punching in three touchdowns from 2, 23, and 11 yards. Carter Nelson added a highlight-reel score by running in a blocked punt, further electrifying the home crowd.
Key Stats and Takeaways
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Nebraska finished with 261 total yards; Michigan State had 240.-
Emmett Johnson scored three rushing touchdowns.-
Nyziah Hunter’s 59-yard, one-shoe touchdown was the game’s signature moment.-
Aidan Chiles ran for two touchdowns but was sacked four times and intercepted twice.-
Nebraska’s defense held strong in the fourth quarter, forcing a crucial three-and-out.What’s Next for Both Teams?
Nebraska, now 4-1 (1-1 Big Ten), will hit the road to face Maryland next Saturday, looking to build on their gritty comeback. Michigan State (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) returns home to host UCLA, hoping to regroup after a tough loss that exposed both offensive and defensive vulnerabilities.
Expert Commentary
Nebraska’s ability to “keep battling and fighting,” as Coach Rhule put it, was the difference-maker. The Huskers overcame a mid-game collapse and showed the kind of resilience that could make them a dark horse in the Big Ten this season. Michigan State, meanwhile, must address its offensive inconsistency and protect its quarterback if it hopes to stay competitive.
Actionable Takeaways
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Nebraska’s late-game execution and defensive pressure are strengths to watch.-
Michigan State needs to improve pass protection and third-down efficiency.-
Big Ten games remain unpredictable—expect more wild finishes as the season unfolds.
Sources
1. Michigan State Spartans vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Live Score and ...
2. Four Observations From Nebraska's Win Over Michigan State
3. Huskers Erupt for 24 Straight Late to Stop Spartans - University of Nebraska - Official Athletics Website
4. Nebraska vs Michigan State Preview | Nebraska Football Now
5. Nebraska Wins, Michigan State Wilts, and Everyone’s Still Losing Their Minds
6. Nebraska vs Michigan State REACTION | 6 HUGE Takeaways | The REAL PROBLEM?! | Husker Football
7. Nebraska Football Picks Up First B1G Win Over Michigan State - University of Nebraska - Official Athletics Website
8. Nebraska MUST FIX THIS to UPSET #21 Michigan🤫🔥| THE SECRET & CONCERN🔒+ TRUTH | Husker Football News
9. Michigan State at Nebraska | HIGHLIGHTS | 10/04/25 - YouTube
10. Michigan Recap | Big Red Wrap Up | Nebraska Public Media
11. Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule press conference after 38-27 win ...
12. Nebraska Loses Another Heartbreaker to Michigan State - Post Game Reaction
13. Thinking Out Loud: Time for Nebraska to take care of business against Michigan State
14. Instant Takeaways: Nebraska can't rise to the challenge, falls to No. 21 Michigan 30-27
