Michigan runs through Nebraska as No. 21 Wolverines overwhelm Huskers on the ground in Big Ten opener

Don't let Dylan Raiola's box score fool you

If you didn't watch the game and just look at the box score, you might think Dylan Raiola was incredible and his teammates let him down. Well, while I won't come to the aid of the Nebraska defense here, I will say numbers can be misleading.

Yes, Raiola finished 30-41 for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, 52 of those yards came on a Hail May that was gifted to Nebraska by Michigan. Raiola then threw for 72 yards on Nebraska's final possession when Michigan was happy to give up short completions in turn for churning clock while up two scores.

Take that away and Raiola was 21-29 for 184 yards.

There were also the sacks and horrible decisions. While I'll never understand why Nebraska chose to leave their tackles on an island all day despite the overwhelming evidence it was a bad idea, Raiola did his line no favors. There were too many times when Raiola stood in the pocket waiting for receivers to come open instead of getting through his progressions or taking off. There were also too many times when he tried ridiculous wrist flick passes that hadn't a prayer of being complete, and were far more likely to be intercepted than anything.

These are the things you expect from a true freshman QB, and were excusable last season. They aren't as excusable when you're making the 17th start of your career.

Michigan clock mismanagement cost it a touchdown

It was clear Nebraska was looking to run clock and get to the locker room trailing 17-10 late in the first half, but Michigan completely mismanaged the clock to give Nebraska a change. Instead of calling a timeout on fourth down to force a Nebraska punt from midfield, interim coach Biff Poggi chose to let the clock run.

Nebraska's Matt Rhule realized what was happening and called a timeout with two seconds left in the half. Then this happened.

That's seven free points the Wolverines gave Nebraska. They didn't come back to haunt the Wolverines in the end, but it's an inexcusable gaffe on the coaching staff.

The game was a total mismatch along the lines of scrimmage

It's not just that Michigan ran for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns against Nebraska, and averaged 8.7 yards per carry. It's the way Michigan went about it. The offensive line pushed the Huskers defense around all day, They didn't only open giant lanes for their backs, but they kept Bryce Underwood clean too, as he was sacked only once.

Michigan sprung long runs of 75, 54, and 37 yards, all of which were touchdowns. They also had four other runs of at least 10 yards, meaning 221 of their rushing yards came on only seven of their 33 carries.

Defensively it was just as big a blowout. Michigan had 7 sacks and 10 tackles for loss while holding Nebraska to 43 yards rushing on 31 attempts. Even if you remove the sack yardage, Nebraska still finished with only 92 yards.

There were individual Nebraska players who won their battles on some plays, but on the whole, it was a maize and blue domination in the trenches.

Michigan gashed Nebraska where it knew it could -- on the ground. The Wolverines rushed for 286 yards on 33 carries with all three of their touchdowns coming on explosive runs:

• Bryce Underwood, 37-yard run
• Justice Haynes, 75-yard run
• Jordan Marshall, 54-yard run

Michigan averaged a staggering 8.7 (!!) yards per carry. Haynes alone finished with 149 yards on 17 attempts.

The Huskers entered the game with their run defense as the clear weak spot, allowing 4.04 yards per carry, including 6.73 against their only other Power Four opponent, Cincinnati. That's going to be a problem throughout the Big Ten slate for the Big Red.

FINAL: Michigan 30, Nebraska 27

No coach, no problem.

No. 21 Michigan improved to 3-1 on the season with a 30-27 over Nebraska Saturday. The Wolverines did not have Sherrone Moore on the sideline as he finished out his self-imposed two-game suspension, but from wherever Moore was watching, it likely brought a smile to his face to see the way his Wolverines dominated the game along the lines of scrimmage.

Michigan ran the ball all over the Cornhuskers in this one. The Wolverines finished with 286 yards on the ground, averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Justice Haynes led the way with 149 yards on 17 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown run. It was Haynes' third touchdown run of at least 50 yards already this season.

Michigan's defense was nearly as dominant. The Wolverines sacked Dylan Raiola seven times and finished with 10 tackles for loss. Linebacker Ernest Hausmann finished with 9 tackles and a sack, while both Derrick Moore and Rayshaun Benny finished with 1.5 sacks.

The win is Michigan's sixth straight victory in a Big Ten opener, as well as it's fifth straight win over Nebraska.

The loss is Nebraska's 28th consecutive loss to an AP-ranked team, dating back to a 2016 win over Oregon. It's the fourth-longest streak ever by a Big Ten team. The loss also drops Matt Rhule's record against AP-ranked opponents to 2-23, but both of his wins came while coaching Temple. He's 0-18 with Nebraska and Baylor. Rhule's record against the Big Ten drops to 6-13 in Lincoln.

Nebraska gets the TD it needs

Late 4Q: Michigan 30, Nebraska 27

The Huskers put together their best drive of the second half, going 75 yards in 10 plays and taking only 2:20 off the clock before Dylan Raiola hit Heinrich Haarberg for a 3-yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 30-27.

Unfortunately for Nebraska, the onside kick attempt was not successful, so Michigan has the ball with 1:29 left, and Nebraska only has two timeouts.

Michigan makes it a two-score game

Late 4Q: Michigan 30, Nebraska 20

The Wolverines went 77 yards over 16 plays, taking up nearly nine minutes of the fourth quarter, and finished with a 21-yard field goal to make it a 30-20 game with 3:54 to play. The key play of the drive was a hand-off to Justice Haynes on third-and-10, which Haynes took outside the left tackle and through an open lane for an easy first down to extend the drive.

It's the story of the game. Michigan is running the ball down Nebraska's throat, and the Cornhuskers have shown little ability to do anything about it.

Nebraska has managed only a field goal in the second half but needs to find a way to score 10 points in under four minutes to stay alive.

Early 4Q: Michigan 27, Nebraska 20

The Huskers cut it to a one-possession game with a 38-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter. A quick three-and-out by Michigan kept momentum with Nebraska. Bryce Underwood remained under control as a passer, completing 10 of 18 attempts for 83 yards so far. The stop returned the ball to Nebraska and quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Michigan's defense continued to harass Raiola, who was sacked for the seventh (!!) time -- again on third down -- forcing another punt. The Huskers' offense line is not holding up against the Wolverines pass rush.

End 3Q: Michigan 27, Nebraska 17

Michigan recorded a defensive stop, but a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Brandyn Hillman for taunting the Nebraska sideline gave the Huskers new life after an offense that had been stagnant. That penalty provided the break they needed to reset and move into the red zone. Quarterback Dylan Raiola found Nyziah Hunter in the back of the end zone, but the receiver stepped out before touching the ball, nullifying the touchdown.

Late 3Q: Michigan 27, Nebraska 17

Another three-and-out for Nebraska. Quarterback Dylan Raiola was sacked for the fifth time, this time by former Husker and Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann, losing six yards and putting the Huskers behind the sticks.

Just two plays later, Michigan running back Jordan Marshall broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run to punt the Wolverines up 10 points again. All three of their touchdowns so far have come on explosive runs of 37, 75, and 54 yards.

Mid 3Q: Michigan 20, Nebraska 17

Nebraska carried momentum out of halftime as its defense forced a quick four-play Michigan drive ending in a punt. But pinned deep near its own goal line, the Husker offense stayed conservative and went three-and-out.

Michigan answered on the next possession, regaining the lead with a 56-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. The Wolverines nearly reached the red zone when Donaven McCulley appeared to make a tightrope catch along the sideline, but he was ruled out of bounds.

End 2Q: Michigan 17, Nebraska 17

What just happened? The Huskers looked content just running out the clock and going into the locker room for halftime before coach Matt Rhule called a timeout with one second remaining. On the final play from the Nebraska 48, quarterback Dylan Raiola bought some time, allowed his receivers to get down field and launched up a Hail Mary that was hauled in by Jacory Barney Jr. for the 52-yard game-tying score as time expired. 

The Wolverines looked poised to double up in the middle eight before Nebraska's touchdown shifted the momentum. Both quarterbacks had turnovers that led to points for the opposition, but Raiola's two touchdown strikes to Jacory Barney Jr. gave the Huskers a lift. Raiola caught fire in the second quarter, completing 8 of 9 passes, and went into halftime 14 of 20 for 210 yards.

It was a tale of opposites, with Michigan pounding out 154 rushing yards compared to just 43 for Nebraska.

Late 2Q: Michigan 17, Nebraska 10

Well, that didn't take long for the Wolverines to answer. Running back Justice Haynes went right through the middle of the Huskers' defense for a 75-yard touchdown run.

Late 2Q: Michigan 10, Nebraska 10

The Huskers' defense finally got to Bryce Underwood as Dasan McCullough came off the edge for a 6-yard sack. Another negative play forced Michigan to punt. The Wolverines' passing attack had little rhythm early, with Underwood completing just 5 of 8 passes for 41 yards over the first five possessions. He did more damage on the ground, leading Michigan with 45 rushing yards at that point.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola started to settle in after his early interception, completing six straight passes, the last a 26-yard strike to receiver Jacory Barney Jr. for the tying score.

Early 2Q: Michigan 10, Nebraska 3

Michigan's defense is making life miserable for Dylan Raiola, racking up consistent pressure and two third-down sacks for a loss of 16 yards. Through Nebraska's first four possessions, Raiola was just 6 of 11 for 60 yards with an interception.

The Wolverines also slipped up when Bryce Underwood lost a fumble on a scramble, recovered near midfield by Husker defensive back DeShon Singleton. 

But Nebraska again failed to fully cash in, settling for a 39-yard field goal after Raiola was sacked for a third time on third down.

End 1Q: Michigan 10, Nebraska 0

Missed opportunities were the story early on before the Wolverines quickly opened up a two-score lead. Nebraska saw two drives stall inside the Michigan 30 without points, followed by another wasted possession when Dylan Raiola threw his first interception of the season.

On the very next play, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood showed off his legs with a 37-yard run.

Late 1Q: Michigan 3, Nebraska 0

Nebraska took over with excellent field position after forcing a three-and-out and benefiting from a short 24-yard punt by Michigan. The Huskers played it safe on offense before quarterback Dylan Raiola was sacked on third down, setting up a 44-yard field goal attempt by Kyle Cunanan -- who previously played at Charlotte under then-coach Biff Poggi -- but his kick sailed wide right. Nebraska reached inside the Michigan 30 on each of its first two drives yet still had no points to show for it.

Michigan strung together a solid drive into Nebraska territory on its second possession, capping it with a 46-yard field goal. The Wolverines, though, missed out on bigger opportunities, with two likely touchdown catches dropped -- first on a double-pass when Semaj Morgan short-armed a throw to Donaven McCulley, and later when quarterback Bryce Underwood couldn't connect with Channing Goodwin in the end zone.

Nebraska native Terence "Bud" Crawford, one week removed from his career-defining win over Saul "Canelo" Alvarez to capture the undisputed super middleweight championship, led the Nebraska Cornhuskers to the field ahead of Saturday's home clash with the Michigan Wolverines.

Crawford jumped two weight classes to face Alvarez. Despite being a slight underdog heading into the fight, Crawford dominated the action and outclassed Alvarez over 12 rounds to take a clear unanimous decision.

With the win, Crawford became the first man to become undisputed champion in three different weight classes, having accomplished the feat at junior welterweight (140 pounds) and welterweight (147 pounds) before taking down Alvarez to win four world title belts at 168 pounds.

New undisputed champ Terence Crawford leads Nebraska on to the field ahead of key clash with Michigan

Brent Brookhouse

Early 1Q: Michigan 0, Nebraska 0

Michigan got pressure on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola twice, but he was able to scramble out of a sack, hitting tight end Luke Lindenmeyer for a 23-yard gain to get the Huskers into Wolverines territory early. Later in the drive, Nebraska was stopped on a fourth-and-2 at the Michigan 6, turning the ball over on downs.

Dylan Raiola is the leader of a 3-0 Nebraska team that will host No. 21 Michigan on Saturday It's also why, despite a push from some other programs to get Raiola to consider the portal, he's back at Nebraska with a roster in part built around him.

After an offseason of investment around Dylan Raiola, Nebraska ready to show 'who we are' against Michigan

Chris Hummer

Nebraska starting defensive back Malcolm Hartzog, listed as questionable on the pregame injury report, did not warm up and will miss his second straight game. The senior nickel has eight career interceptions, including the game-sealing pick in the Week 1 opener against Cincinnati.

There's so much going in favor of Nebraska that it almost feels too good to be true -- a familiar story for the Big Red after last year's heartbreaking overtime loss to Illinois spoiled what looked like a breakthrough. Bryce Underwood's dual-threat ability adds another wrinkle; Michigan can exploit Nebraska's run defense, which allowed 6.7 yards per carry against Cincinnati in Week 1. Nebraska's defensive strengths could slow Michigan at times, but the Wolverines' talent and depth likely give them the edge in a close battle, even without suspended coach Sherrone Moore on the sidelines. Pick: Michigan -2.5

Nebraska hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since a 2016 win over then-No. 22 Oregon, a streak that has stretched to 27 consecutive losses against AP Top 25 teams. Third-year coach Matt Rhule himself owns a 17-game losing streak against the nation's best, with six of those defeats coming since he took over the Huskers. Saturday's matchup against No. 21 Michigan offers a chance to end both skids and make a statement in the Big Ten and national conversation.

Big Red breakthrough: Nebraska looks to end a near decade of misery with a Week 4 win over Michigan

David Cobb

Nebraska's defensive backfield has been one of the most efficient units in the FBS through Week 3, even if the competition hasn't been elite. The Huskers held Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby in check in the opener, and he has ranked second nationally in EPA per dropback (1.04) since that loss, per TruMedia. Against Michigan, they could force freshman Bryce Underwood into tough reads, though interim coach Biff Poggi has said the quarterback has the green light to run.

The Michigan-Nebraska matchup marks just the 18th time since 2013 that top-two quarterbacks from different recruiting classes have faced off. Dylan Raiola, the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class, squares off against Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect in 2025. The home team has won nine of the 14 non-neutral site games, and the recruiting class -- older or younger -- hasn't mattered, with each side claiming seven wins.

Michigan's Bryce Underwood vs. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola is the Big Ten's most star-studded QB duel this decade

Cody Nagel

The Cornhusker State will be the epicenter of a high-stakes Big Ten clash Saturday afternoon on CBS when No. 21 Michigan travels to face Nebraska in a game that could define the 2025 seasons for both programs. The Huskers (3-0) enter the matchup riding momentum under third-year coach Matt Rhule, who has spent his tenure trying to shake the program's 27-game losing streak against AP Top 25 opponents. 

On the other side, the Wolverines (2-1) will be without coach Sherrone Moore as he serves the last of his two-game suspension stemming from Michigan's 2023 sign-stealing scandal. In his absence, interim coach Biff Poggi takes over game-day duties, tasked with keeping the Wolverines' suddenly high-powered offense on track against a Nebraska defense that has shown signs of vulnerability.

Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood makes his Big Ten road debut, bringing the same five-star pedigree as Nebraska's Dylan Raiola. Granted it was against Central Michigan, but Underwood showcased both his arm and his legs in Week 3, throwing for 235 yards with one touchdown and an interception, while adding 114 rushing yards and two more scores on just nine carries.

A win for either side could signal legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations, while a loss would deliver a severe blow to season expectations, forcing both programs to recalibrate their goals and momentum heading deeper into the Big Ten schedule.

Michigan vs. Nebraska prediction, pick, odds, spread: Bryce Underwood, Dylan Raiola duel in Big Ten opener

Cody Nagel