Huskers blast Nick Saban’s Spartans
For the second consecutive season, Nebraska opened the year with two victories away from home as it defeated Big Ten foe Michigan State, 50-10, in East Lansing.
The Huskers jumped to a 10-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, but Michigan State responded with a touchdown to cut the lead to 10-7. Nebraska then registered 10 unanswered second-quarter points to take a 13-point lead into the locker room.
After Michigan State closed to 23-10 midway through the third quarter, Nebraska scored four touchdowns in a 12-minute span to account for the final 50-10 margin.
Lawrence Phillips paced the Husker rushing attack, gaining 206 yards on 22 carries and scoring four touchdowns. Three other I-backs, Clinton Childs, James Sims and freshman Ahman Green, gained more than 70 yards to pace the Husker ground game, which picked up 552 yards.
In total offense, Nebraska racked up 666 yards, the second consecutive week the Huskers had surpassed 650 yards. Quarterback Brook Berringer completed six of 11 passes for 106 yards and directed the Husker offense after Tommie Frazier left in the second quarter with an injury.
Defensively, the Huskers applied pressure to the Spartans all afternoon, sacking the quarterback four times, while picking off one interception and recovering two fumbles. The defense was led by Phil Ellis, who registered nine tackles, including seven unassisted and one quarterback sack. Rover Mike Minter added eight tackles and intercepted a pass for the Blackshirts.
Freshman kicker Kris Brown also starred in the game, connecting on 3 of 3 field goals, including a season-long 47-yarder.