Cornhuskers handle MSU, 31-13
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EAST LANSING -- Anthony Colandrea passed for 212 yards and two first-half touchdowns as undefeated Nebraska pulled away to a 31-13 win over mistake-prone Michigan State in the Big Ten opener for both teams on Saturday.
Vincent Genatone scored twice for Nebraska (4-0, 1-0) while Mekhi Nelson rushed for 61 yards and one touchdown. Kwazi Gilmer caught three passes for 63 yards, including a 44-yard score.
“Really fired up for the guys,” Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule said. “It’s a great first step.”
The Cornhuskers’ defense held the Spartans to 252 total yards, recorded six sacks and forced three turnovers.
“We wanted to come out here and make a statement, show everybody who we are,” said defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri, who had two sacks. “This is a big momentum booster for us going into Big Ten play.”
Michigan State’s defense couldn’t come up with a big play to bail out its offense, failing to come up with a sack or turnover.
“You fix the things you can correct,” Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald said. “We’ve got to take care of the ball.”
Jaziun Patterson rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown for the Spartans (2-2, 0-1). Alessio Milivojevic passed for 208 yards but committed two turnovers.
Edwards injured
Michigan State’s top running back, Cam Edwards, suffered a right leg injury in the first quarter. Edwards was upended near the Spartans’ sideline by defensive back Denny Odem III after a 23-yard pass play. Edwards returned to the field later in the first half on crutches with a large brace covering his knee.
The takeaway
Michigan State: Penalties played a major role in the Spartans’ first-half deficit. A punt block was nullified by a holding penalty, prolonging Nebraska’s first touchdown drive. A personal foul infraction facilitated Nebraska’s second touchdown drive. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty handed the Cornhuskers a first down during their final drive of the half.
Up next
Nebraska: hosts Maryland on Saturday.
Michigan State: visits Wisconsin on Saturday.
Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic throws a pass during the first half against Nebraska on Saturday in East Lansing. (AP photo)