East Lansing, MI (SportsNetwork.com) – After taking a huge lead into the
fourth quarter, No. 10 Michigan State had to fight for its life to pull out a
27-22 win over 19th-ranked Nebraska on Saturday night at Spartan Stadium.
Tony Lippett caught a touchdown pass and ran in another for MSU (4-1, 1-0 Big
Ten), which led 27-3 through 45 minutes before the upset-minded Cornhuskers
began chipping away.
Ameer Abdullah, the nation’s leading rusher coming into the game, was held in
check on the ground but scored two rushing touchdowns in the final period.
De’Mornay Pierson-El added a punt return touchdown and after Spartans kicker
Michael Geiger hit the left upright with a field goal try, Nebraska took over
with 1:07 remaining at its own 20.
Tommy Armstrong Jr. fired a strike to Alonzo Moore down the right sideline for
43 yards into MSU territory. Armstrong looked for Moore again on the next
play, nearly connecting with the sophomore receiver in the back of the end
zone, but the ball popped free from Moore as he went to the ground. Armstrong
was intercepted by Trae Waynes on the very next play.
Connor Cook completed 11-of-29 passes for 234 yards, a touchdown and an
interception during an uneven performance under center for the Spartans, who
beat Nebraska for the second straight season. Jeremy Langford carried 29 times
for 111 yards and a score.
The Cornhuskers (5-1, 1-1) were the last unbeaten team in the Big Ten.
