Nebraska improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play with a 38-27 victory over Michigan State at Memorial Stadium. The Cornhuskers outscored the Spartans, 17-6, in the fourth quarter to rally from a 21-14 deficit.[1][2]
Early Scoring Drives
Nebraska struck first on its opening drive. Junior running back Emmett Johnson powered in from two yards out for a touchdown. Later in the first quarter, linebacker Jamir Conn blocked a Spartan punt, and cornerback Carter Nelson returned it three yards for a score, pushing the lead to 14-0.[1]
Spartan Comeback
Michigan State answered with 21 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. Backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic found tight end Jack Velling for his first collegiate touchdown. Starter Aidan Chiles added two rushing touchdowns, giving the Spartans a 21-14 advantage.[1]
Fourth-Quarter Rally
Nebraska tied the game late in the third quarter. Quarterback Dylan Raiola hit Jacory Barney Jr. on a 45-yard pass. Two plays later, Johnson broke free for a 23-yard touchdown run to knot the score at 21.[3]
In the fourth quarter:
- Kicker Kyle Cunanan converted a 27-yard field goal to make it 24-21.
- Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter turned a short pass into a 59-yard touchdown sprint, extending the lead to 31-21.
- Johnson capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, sealing a 38-21 advantage.[3][1]
A late one-yard sneak by Milivojevic set the final score at 38-27. Nebraska then recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.
Key Player Statistics
Emmett Johnson finished with 83 rushing yards on 13 carries and three touchdowns. He added six receptions for 37 yards, totaling 120 scrimmage yards. Dylan Raiola completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown, surpassing 4,000 career passing yards, becoming the ninth Husker to reach the milestone.[2][3][1]
Safety DeShon Singleton recorded two interceptions and six tackles. He was the first Nebraska player with multiple picks in a game since 2023. Jacory Barney Jr. returned four punts for 81 yards, including a 57-yard return, and caught two passes for 47 yards. Linebacker Javin Wright led the team with ten tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.[3][1]
Game Impact and Next Opponent
Nebraska’s special teams touchdown and late-game execution underscored its resilience. The defense held Michigan State to 240 total yards and forced three turnovers. The Cornhuskers will seek their fifth win next Saturday at home against Purdue.
