Nebraska football hurt by turnovers in loss to Michigan State

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska football’s quest for a bowl game continues after losing 20-17 at Michigan State on Saturday.

The Husker offense almost matched the Spartans in total yards, but three turnovers cost Nebraska.

MSU scored on its first possession with a 35-yard field goal by Jonathan Kim.

Later in the first quarter, Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg threw a deep pass that Michigan State intercepted.

But the Spartans were pinned at the 4-yard line, and they couldn’t get a first down.

Nebraska took the lead early in the second quarter, when Haarberg kept the ball and ran it into the end zone from 5 yards out.

Michigan State responded on the next drive.

Quarterback Katin Houser flung the ball to Alante Brown, who threw it 42 yards downfield to Montorie Foster Jr.

That set up the Spartans deep in Nebraska territory, and they scored on an 11-yard pass from Houser to Christian Fitzpatrick.

The Huskers tied the game at the end of the first half with a 24-yard field goal by Tristan Alvano.

Michigan State ate up much of the third quarter with a 12-play drive that ended when Kim kicked a 50-yard field goal.

The Spartans started their next drive in Husker territory, but the Blackshirts recorded two sacks and forced a punt.

Early in the fourth quarter, Foster caught a 25-yard pass from quarterback Sam Leavitt in the end zone to widen MSU’s lead.

The Huskers’ comeback efforts were hampered when Haarberg threw another interception midway through the fourth.

But Nebraska put together a fast four-play drive and scored a touchdown on a 4-yard run by Emmett Johnson.

The Huskers got the ball back with less than three minutes in the game, but Haarberg fumbled on third-and-7, and the Spartans recovered it.

Kim missed a 44-yard field goal attempt with one minute left, giving Nebraska one last shot.

But a Hail Mary pass from Haarberg as time ran out was incomplete.

Michigan State dominated Nebraska in the air, with 232 passing yards to 129 for the Huskers.

Multiple Spartan QBs had playing time; they were led by Houser, who completed 13 of 20 passes for 165 yards.
Foster had four catches for 94 yards.

Haarberg completed 43% of his passes for 102 yards. Thomas Fidone II had three receptions for 43 yards.

The Huskers did better in the run game, with 154 yards. Emmett Johnson led the way, with 57 yards on 13 carries.

Nebraska, 5-4, is one win away from bowl eligibility, something they haven’t achieved since 2016.

The Huskers play at Maryland next Saturday. The game starts at 11 a.m. and will be streamed on Peacock.