In a hard fought game at Memorial Stadium the Nebraska Cornhuskers came up just short against the Michigan Wolverines. The Huskers played well in spurts but ultimately a few costly mistakes and a dominant Michigan running game proved to be the difference in a 30 27 loss.
The game started with the concerning signs that have been a theme all season. Nebraska marched down the field with a fantastic opening drive only to see it stall near the goal line. In a move that has mirrored their season long struggles they opted to go for it on fourth down and turned the ball over. This foreshadowed a day of missed opportunities.
Nebraska’s defensive line was consistently outmatched. The undersized front was unable to utilize its hands to get off blocks which led to Michigan gashing the defense for several long runs for touchdowns. Two in the first half and another to start the second half were massive blows that swung the momentum firmly in favor of the Wolverines.
On the other side of the ball the offensive line was Nebraska’s biggest concern. Michigan’s front seven feasted on the Husker line racking up four sacks in the first half alone and finishing with seven by the fourth quarter. It wasn’t all on the offensive line though. Quarterback Raiola struggled at times reverting to his freshman ways of holding the ball too long a habit that simply does not work in a Dana Holgerson offense.
Despite the struggles there were moments of brilliance. Punter Archie Wilson had a very solid performance flipping the field and putting the Wolverines in poor starting position when he had the chance. The Huskers also showed their resolve. A late fourth quarter 15 play Michigan drive ended in a field goal giving the Wolverines a 30 20 lead and seemingly putting the game away. But with just over a minute and a half left the Huskers mounted a 75 yard drive to pull within three. The improbable comeback attempt ended when a desperate onside kick failed and Michigan recovered to run out the clock.
Michigan played a nearly perfect game and yet the Huskers found a way to almost win. I am impressed with how they kept fighting despite a litany of issues that need to be fixed and fixed fast.