With temperatures in the mid-40's, a sellout crowd of 90,094 cheered as Nebraska took a 10-3 first quarter lead. The Cornhusker defense gave up fourteen points in the second and third quarters and had their backs against the wall trailing 31-20 to start the fourth quarter.
The Spartans were held to only seven fourth quarter points as they watched Nebraska chip away and cut the lead to five points with 1:47 after a Tommy Armstrong one yard run and Drew Brown extra point. Michigan State got the ball back on the Nebraska 44 yard line. Their possession ended with a 38 yard punt giving the ball back to Nebraska on their own nine yard line with 00:55 seconds remaining. After three plays, the Cornhusker offense advanced the ball to the Michigan State 30 yard line. Tommy Armstrong Jr. completed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Reilly with 00:17 seconds left on the clock. Nebraska took the lead after a failed two point conversion 39-38. The touchdown pass was reviewed by game officials because Reilly had left the playing field (during his pass route), reentered and made the catch.
Nebraska improved to 4-6, 2-4 and Michigan State fell to 8-1, 4-1 for the season.
