The ugliness and error was initiated when Nebraska blocked MSUs second punt of the game and returned it for a touchdown early in the first quarter, launching the Cornhuskers into an early 14-0 lead. This sparked the beginning of a disastrous day for the Spartan special teams unit. 

What followed were more special team mistakes that Nebraska took advantage of: questionable punts which were affected by the wind, sour coverage on punt returns and a muffed kickoff.

The questionable punts and their poor coverage could be debated — and surely will be in the Spartan film room this weekend — but nothing on special teams was as crucial or game-changing as the muffed kickoff. That was the moment the pendulum of momentum swung.

It happened late in the third quarter following a quick Nebraska scoring drive that evened the game at 21. The Spartan offense, which was heating up after back-to-back scoring drives, stood on the sideline in anticipation to take the field again, only to watch as the ball was kicked into the swirling winds, causing confusion amongst upbacks Jay Coyne and Sam Edwards before they collided into each other while trying to make a fair catch. The collision caused the football to fall on the ground, allowing Nebraska to recover.

Nebraska would settle for a field goal to take the lead 24-21. It would hold onto that lead for the remainder of the game. 

Then there was the offense, who all season had been the uplifting factor to a team that has struggled defensively. Against Nebraska, these roles were reversed. 

It started with the rushing attack. All game, Spartan running backs were swallowed by a sea of red and white, unable to find gaps or bounce to the outside. Coming into the game, Nebraska’s defense was allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game — 109th in the FBS. Against Michigan State, it allowed just 84 yards on 38 carries and recorded 12 tackles for loss in the process.

If the Spartans were going to beat the Cornhuskers, running the football would have been a major key to a victory. Watching as the Spartans were stuffed on many occasions, it's apparent that MSU left this key back in East Lansing. 

The inability to run didn’t help MSU’s ability – or inability – to pass, either. All day, MSU junior quarterback Aidan Chiles and co. couldn’t find their groove through the air. It was pressure by the Nebraska defensive line, the inaccurate throws and the bad decisions that led to failures and mistakes and in result a lack of a capable aerial assault. 

The passing attack wasn’t aided by the fact that Chiles suffered through constant bumps and bruises, either. Early in the second quarter, Chiles absorbed a hit from Nebraska defensive lineman Elijah Jeudy, sending him into the blue medical tent. He would return on the next drive, but never seemed as comfortable as he was to begin the game. 

Chiles would finish the game going 9-for-23 with 85 yards and two interceptions, finding success on the ground with 13 rushes for 23 yards and two touchdowns. He would be replaced by freshman Alessio Milivojevic, who went 6-for-7 with 71 yards and one touchdown.

Both the inability to run and the inability to pass can be attributed to MSU’s inability to block. All night, the Spartan offensive line struggled winning one-on-ones, identifying blitzes and getting to the second level. Red and white bodies were not moved, and in result green and white bodies were thrown to the ground. 

The most crucial offensive play of the night unraveled when offensive lineman Conner Moore lost his one-on-one battle. With 5:22 left in the fourth quarter and trailing 31-21, Michigan State needed a fourth-and-eight conversion to stay alive. Quarterback Katin Houser took the snap, dropped back, and before he could reach his second read, he was sacked by Nebraska defensive lineman Cameron Lenhardt, who beat Moore off the line. The Spartans turned the ball over on downs, effectively ending the game.

It was a game filled with poor offensive stats, but Spartan’s offensive line and their four sacks and 12 tackles for loss may be the worst and most concerning. 

In search of their first Big Ten victory, the Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) host the UCLA Bruins (1-4, 1-1) in the homecoming game at noon on Saturday, Oct. 11.