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09/26 20:45 CDT Colandrea's two TD passes and stout defense lifts unbeaten
Cornhuskers past Spartans, 31-13
Colandrea's two TD passes and stout defense lifts unbeaten Cornhuskers past
Spartans, 31-13
By DANA GAURUDER
Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) --- Anthony Colandrea passed for 212 yards and two
first-half touchdowns as undefeated Nebraska pulled away to a 31-13 win over
mistake-prone Michigan State in the Big Ten opener for both teams on Saturday.
Vincent Genatone scored twice for Nebraska (4-0, 1-0) while Mekhi Nelson rushed
for 61 yards and one touchdown. Kwazi Gilmer caught three passes for 63 yards,
including a 44-yard score.
The Cornhuskers' defense held the Spartans to 252 total yards, recorded six
sacks and forced three turnovers.
Jaziun Patterson rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown for the Spartans (2-2,
0-1). Alessio Milivojevic passed for 208 yards but committed two turnovers.
Colandrea's 13-yard scoring pass to Genatone with two seconds left in the first
half gave Nebraska a 24-10 halftime lead. Genatone's 1-yard, fourth-quarter
plunge pushed the Cornhuskers' lead to 31-13.
Edwards injured Michigan State's top running back, Cam Edwards, suffered a right leg injury in the first quarter. Edwards was upended near the Spartans' sideline by defensive back Denny Odem III after a 23-yard pass play. Edwards returned to the field later in the first half on crutches with a large brace covering his knee. The takeaway Nebraska: The Cornhuskers faced their first test after pounding three overmatched non-conference opponents by a combined score of 139-35. Their stout defense offset a spotty offensive performance --- they averaged 3.8 yards per rush and Colandrea converted 55.5% of his passing attempts. Michigan State: Penalties played a major role in the Spartans' first-half deficit. A punt block was nullified by a holding penalty, prolonging Nebraska's first touchdown drive. A personal foul infraction facilitated Nebraska's second touchdown drive. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty handed the Cornhuskers a first down during their final drive of the half. Up next Nebraska: Hosts Maryland on Oct. 3. Michigan State: Visits Wisconsin on Oct. 3. ___ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP's full college football coverage here |
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