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Game Recap
It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but the Michigan State Spartans ultimately got the result they were hoping for on Saturday with a 23-20 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nebraska can consider this payback for the 9-6 loss they dealt the Spartans the last time the teams encountered one another November of 2018.
After a totally unproductive first quarter, the Michigan State offense stepped up its game and put 13 points on the board in the second quarter. Nebraska was right behind to make the score 13-10 heading into the break. MSU let their lead slip in the second half to bring about an overtime, but they still came out alive.
No one had a standout game offensively for MSU, but they got one touchdown from QB Payton Thorne. On the other hand, RB Kenneth Walker III had a very so-so game, which wouldn't be worth mentioning except that he carried the ball significantly more than any other MSU running back.
MSU's defense was a presence, as it embarrassed the Cornhuskers' offensive line to sack the QB seven times for a total loss of 34 yards. Leading the way was DE Jacub Panasiuk and his two sacks. Those were the first sacks for Panasiuk through four games.
QB Adrian Martinez put forth a good effort for the losing side as he accumulated 236 passing yards in addition to rushing for two TDs and 72 yards. That's the most rushing touchdowns Martinez has had all year.
The Spartans' victory brought them up to 4-0. The Cornhuskers' defeat pushed them down to 2-3.
MSU has the luxury of staying home another week and will welcome the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at 7:30 p.m. ET Oct. 2 at Spartan Stadium. Unlike MSU, WKU will be stumbling in off of a loss. As for Nebraska, they will go up against the Northwestern Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. ET next Saturday at Tom Osborne Field at Memorial Stadium. Northwestern is 0-1 after wins this season, and Nebraska is 1-1 after losses.
