Gut reactions to a gutsy Nebraska football win over Michigan State

There can’t be any complaints about how Nebraska football started or ended the game against Michigan State, just a few parts in the middle that Husker fans might want to forget in what turned out to be a 38-27 win.

The Huskers didn’t just beat Michigan State. They won by double digits and nearly covered the spread. That had to be the last thing on the mind of Nebraska fans when Aidan Chiles ran for a touchdown in the third quarter that put the Spartans in front, 21-14.

After blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown to go up 14-0 in the first quarter, thanks to the Carter Nelson touchdown, Michigan State scored three straight touchdowns, two in the second half on runs by Chiles.

There was that familiar sinking feeling. Dylan Raiola, fresh off an interception, took the ball down seven and completed a 47-yard pass to Jacory Barney, before Emmett Johnson (13-83) scampered 23 yards for a touchdown.

Johnson would add another score after a fourth-down stop. Before that, Raiola connected with Nyziah Hunter for a 59-yard touchdown. It was the first touchdown pass of the game for Raiola (16-of-24, 191). Johnson had three touchdown runs. Defensively, Nebraska held Michigan State to 240 yards. The Huskers gained 267. They also notched four sacks and took the ball away twice.

Jacory Barney returned four punts for 81 yards. Special teams were elite, and here are the gut reactions.

Gut reactions to Nebraska’s win over Michigan State

• The offensive line has work to do.
• The pass rush was top-notch. That was very encouraging heading into Maryland.
• Williams Nwaneri played like a five-star.
• Emmett Johnson was a warrior.
• Mike Ekeler deserves a raise. And a game ball.
• It wasn’t Dylan Raiola’s best day, but he delivered when needed.
• Raiola needs to get rid of the ball.
• Nebraska football has learned how to win.
• NEBRASKA SPECIAL TEAMS ARE GOOD!
• So happy Carter Nelson scored a touchdown.
• Maryland will be a huge challenge.
• You don’t need to win pretty.
• 24 unanswered points are 24 unanswered.
• The defense was flying around.
• GO BIG RED!

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