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Rapid reaction: Michigan holds on for gutsy win as late turnover dooms Nebraska
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: No. 9 Michigan 32, Nebraska 29
Brief Recap: What started as a first half of missed opportunities for Nebraska turned into a dramatic back-and-forth battle for the second half in Lincoln. Heading into the break, Michigan carried a 13-0 lead after a number of questionable calls on both sides and multiple reviews throughout the action. A late touchdown by Hassan Haskins gave the Wolverines the two-score cushion at halftime, but it would not last.
Adrian Martinez and the Huskers came out of the break on fire offensively. A quick drive helped Nebraska cut into the lead before another stretch of 15-unanswered points gave the Huskers their first lead of the night. The fourth quarter provided even more fireworks as the two sides traded punches offensively between Blake Corum and Martinez. Haskins also set up a game-tying FG with a brilliant run before a big turnover from Martinez swung the field in Michigan’s favor. The Wolverines would kick the go-ahead field goal with less than 2 minutes remaining and hang on for the hard-fought win.
Key Player: Blake Corum has been the main star out of Michigan’s backfield, but the night belonged to Hassan Haskins. He gained 123 yards on 21 carries with 2 TDs. Haskins also produced the crucial carry that set up a late field goal for the Wolverines as they clawed back into the game.
Key Moment: This one came down to the very end with Adrian Martinez’s late fumble proving to be the difference. With Michigan having just tied the game, Nebraska had the ball and all its timeouts and a chance to tie or win the game. The fumble gave Michigan the field position to kick the go-ahead field goal as the Wolverines hung on.
Key Stat: +1, turnover differential for Michigan. The key turnover was a late fumble by Adrian Martinez with just under 2 minutes to go in the game. It came deep in Nebraska territory and well in field goal range for the Wolverines.
What it means for Michigan moving forward: Michigan’s perfect record remains secure at 6-0. A well-timed bye week awaits the Wolverines after such a gutsy win. Everything Jim Harbaugh’s team is shooting for is still in reach with key matchups against Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State still to come.
What it means for Nebraska moving forward: What could have been? At this point, it feels like the theme of Scott Frost’s tenure in Lincoln. The Huskers definitely carried the momentum gained from the win over Northwestern into Week 6. But in the end, it was not enough. Nebraska fought hard to the very end, but a crucial mistake late proved to be the difference-maker. The Huskers are now 3-4 on the year and must hope for a signature upset against either Ohio State or Iowa down the stretch.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.