No. 21 Michigan rides big-play runs to edge Nebraska 30-27, hand Huskers another Top-25 loss

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No. 21 Michigan used three explosive touchdown runs and a relentless pass rush to escape Memorial Stadium with a 30-27 victory over Nebraska on Saturday, extending the Cornhuskers’ frustrating streak against ranked opponents. Much of the pregame spotlight was on Wolverines freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, making his first Big Ten road start after faltering at Oklahoma earlier this month. His passing numbers were modest — 12 of 22 for 105 yards — but he made timely plays with his legs and composure in key moments. Underwood opened Michigan’s scoring with a 37-yard touchdown run and later kept a critical fourth-quarter drive alive with a clutch completion and scramble.

“He made some excellent throws. He made some excellent runs,” acting coach Biff Poggi said. “The thing you don’t see is his poise and leadership. There wasn’t a doubt on our sideline that we weren’t winning that game.” Michigan’s ground game stole the show. Justice Haynes broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, finishing with 149 yards on the day, while Jordan Marshall added 80 yards and a 54-yard scoring burst that put the Wolverines ahead 27-17 entering the final period. Michigan finished with 286 rushing yards, the most Nebraska has surrendered since 2022.

The Huskers managed to hang around behind five-star freshman Dylan Raiola, who threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns despite being sacked seven times. His highlight came at the end of the first half, when he launched a 52-yard Hail Mary that Jacory Barney Jr. corralled to tie the game 17-17 and ignite the Memorial Stadium crowd.

But Michigan’s defense, guided by coordinator Wink Martindale, controlled the line of scrimmage after halftime. The Huskers were held to just a field goal in the second half until Raiola engineered a late 75-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass that pulled Nebraska within three with 1:34 left. Michigan secured the onside kick and ran out the clock.

Barney finished with six catches for 120 yards and two scores, but Nebraska’s offense sputtered outside of Raiola’s arm. The Huskers netted only 43 rushing yards and converted just 2 of 12 third downs.

“We battled, and I appreciate that from the guys. It wasn’t enough,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “Just too many big plays to win a football game like that.”

The loss dropped Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) to 0-28 in its last 28 tries against ranked opponents, the second-longest streak among power-conference programs behind Rutgers (41). Michigan (3-1, 1-0) will return quarterback Sherrone Moore from suspension next week, but Poggi praised his team’s resolve after handling a hostile road test.

“We turned it into a heavyweight fight,” Poggi said. “And that was to our advantage.”