EAST LANSING, Mich. — Nebraska (4-0, 1-0) passed its first real test of the 2026 season on Saturday, grinding out a 31-13 victory over Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. While it was far from the Cornhuskers’ most polished performance of the year, head coach Matt Rhule’s squad proved it can win tough games on the road—a glaring departure from seasons past.
Powered by three crucial takeaways from coordinator Rob Aurich’s defense and timely big plays on offense, Nebraska secured its first conference win of the campaign. Here is the full positional report card and breakdown from Saturday’s road triumph:
Passing Attack: C+
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea lacked his usual precision against the Spartan secondary, looking far less sharp than in previous weeks. Aside from a 44-yard touchdown strike to Kwazi Gilmer, Colandrea struggled early, sitting at a meager 9-for-20 passing at one stage while dealing with miscues from his receiving corps.
Jacory Barney Jr. suffered a fumble, while Quinn Clark and Gilmer endured untimely drops. Receiver Nyziah Hunter was virtually missing from the game plan until a single 12-yard catch in the fourth quarter. However, fullback Vincent Genatone provided a crucial spark with a 13-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. Colandrea eventually found his rhythm, finishing 15-for-27 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, including a late 38-yard connection with Gilmer (who finished with four catches for 101 yards).
Rushing Attack: B-
The Huskers suffered an early blow when star freshman running back Jamal Rule left the game with an injury after just four carries. Nebraska adapted through a rotation of Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee, with Nelson punching in two touchdowns—a four-yard score in the second quarter and a late fourth-quarter plunge to extend the lead to 31-13—finishing with 61 yards on 15 carries.
Colandrea provided the biggest ground spark, scrambling and taking designed draws for a team-high 66 rushing yards. Genatone added a one-yard touchdown power run in the final frame. Nebraska was held under 200 rushing yards for the first time this season, totaling 157 yards on the ground.
Passing Defense: A-
Although Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic found some efficiency through the air (18-for-26, 208 yards), Aurich’s defense compensated with game-changing playmaking. Nebraska unleashed a relentless pass rush, bringing down the quarterback for a season-high six sacks, headlined by a two-sack performance from edge rusher Williams Nwaneri.
More importantly, the Blackshirts won the turnover battle. Owen Chambliss notched his first interception of the year, Donovan Jones forced and recovered a pivotal strip-sack, and cornerback Andrew Marshall picked off a pass deep in Nebraska territory late in the game to slam the door on any Spartan comeback.
Rushing Defense: A
The Husker front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, especially after Michigan State star running back Cam Edwards departed with a leg injury. Edwards’ backup, Jaziun Patterson, was held in check, managing just 54 yards on 3.4 yards per carry.
Cornerbacks Danny Odem III and Victor Evans III stepped up in run support, combining for three of Nebraska’s 10 total tackles for loss. The defense did not allow a single run over 10 yards all evening, limiting the Spartans to a paltry 78 rushing yards.
Special Teams: B
Brett Maher’s special teams unit put together a solid outing, nearly avoiding disaster when a defensive penalty erased a blocked punt. Punter Archie Wilson averaged 43.7 yards across three punts, pinning one inside the 20-yard line, while kicker Kyle Cunanan remained perfect on the day, converting a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter. The return game was modest, with Barney logging a 12-yard punt return and Hunter bringing back a kickoff for 18 yards.
Nebraska returns to Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3, to take on Maryland at 3:00 p.m. CT (broadcast live on FS1 and the Huskers Radio Network).