The Nebraska Cornhuskers suffered a narrow 30–27 loss to Michigan in a game packed with drama, big plays, and costly mistakes. Despite a thrilling Hail Mary touchdown to close the first half, Nebraska couldn’t hold off Michigan’s relentless ground attack and late-game execution.
Michigan racked up 286 rushing yards, including three long touchdown runs of 37, 75, and 54 yards. Justice Haynes broke the game open with a 75-yard sprint just moments after Nebraska had tied the score, instantly shifting momentum back to the Wolverines.
Defensively, Nebraska struggled to get off the field. In the fourth quarter, Michigan converted three consecutive third downs — from 5, 9, and 10 yards — during a clock-draining drive that lasted over eight minutes and ended in points.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola threw for 308 yards and a touchdown but was sacked seven times. “Put the sacks on me,” Raiola said postgame, taking accountability for the pressure he faced.
One of the game’s highlights came at the end of the first half, when Raiola connected with Jacory Barney on a Hail Mary touchdown. Barney finished with 120 receiving yards on six catches. The play was made possible by a clock management error from Michigan, who failed to force a punt and left one second on the clock.
However, Nebraska’s red zone woes continued. The team has now failed to score on four trips inside the 20-yard line this season. A potential touchdown pass was also nullified by an “illegal touching” penalty when receiver Nyziah Hunter stepped out of bounds before the catch.
With a bye week ahead, Nebraska must regroup before facing Michigan State, Maryland, and Minnesota — three matchups that will test their resilience and ability to correct defensive lapses and protect their quarterback.