Nebraska’s first trip away from Lincoln looked a lot like its first three games at home. The Huskers forced three turnovers, committed none and beat Michigan State 31-13 on Saturday in East Lansing.
Nebraska is 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten. It is the program’s first win in a conference opener since 2019.
How it happened
Michigan State scored first on a 48-yard field goal. Nebraska’s next drive looked finished after three plays, but a Spartan holding penalty kept it alive. Anthony Colandrea made it count with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer.
The second quarter belonged to the Huskers. Mekhi Nelson scored from 4 yards out, and an Owen Chambliss interception set up a 32-yard Kyle Cunanan field goal for a 17-3 lead. Michigan State answered with a touchdown drive, but Nebraska had the last word before halftime. With two seconds left, Colandrea hit Vincent Genatone for a 13-yard touchdown. It was the first catch of Genatone’s career.
The Spartans managed only a field goal after the break. Genatone, a converted linebacker, added a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
By the numbers
| Stat | Nebraska | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards | 369 | 257 |
| Rushing yards | 157 | 39 |
| Passing yards | 212 | 218 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Sacks | 6 | 0 |
Standout performances
- Anthony Colandrea: 15 of 27 passing for 212 yards and two touchdowns, plus a team-high 66 rushing yards.
- Kwazi Gilmer: four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, his first 100-yard game as a Husker.
- Vincent Genatone: two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing.
- Mekhi Nelson: 61 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
- Owen Chambliss: eight tackles and an interception.
- Williams Nwaneri: two of Nebraska’s six sacks.
The takeaway
This was a grown-up road win. The offense was not as explosive as it had been in September’s home games, so the defense carried the day. Holding a Big Ten team to 39 rushing yards and finishing plus-three in turnovers will win almost anywhere. That turnover margin was Nebraska’s best in a game since 2022.
The one concern is Jamal Rule. The freshman running back left in the first quarter with an injury and did not return, so his status is worth watching this week.
Nebraska heads home to face Maryland on Homecoming next Saturday. Go Big Red.
Dr. Bruce Marko is a University of Nebraska alum and a proud supporter of the Huskers. Read more about his Nebraska Cornhuskers roots.
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