Nebraska's Sparty Party Canceled

Michigan State edges the Huskers for just its third win of the season.

The Huskers must wait at least another week to get their sixth win of the season. Next week's matchup (Maryland) will be against a much better opponent than the 3-6 Spartans. After the 5-4 Terrapins come to Lincoln, NU must face two more teams with winning records: at Wisconsin and at home vs. Iowa.

The question is can Nebraska get another win this year?

Based on Saturday's 20-17 loss at Michigan State, it's going to be a very tough task. Husker fans are probably wondering, how can a 5-3 Nebraska team drop one to a Spartan team that was on a six-game losing streak?

Some will blame the loss on the penalties that either were called or should have been called. To be sure, the officiating was a bit puzzling at times.

The bottom line is, Nebraska just didn't play well enough to win.

On top of that, Michigan State has a better QB than Nebraska's. This is not a knock on Heinrich Haarberg. He's only a sophomore making just his seventh career start. The Tank Commander played brilliantly at times but made too many mistakes.

Not to worry. He'll get better.

Sparty also did a better job making the Huskers pay for their mistakes. That's something the other opponents hadn't done.

Tad Stryker: Growing Pains Bite Huskers Hard

Nebraska lost the turnover battle (0-3). NU had two interceptions and lost a fumble. MSU also edged the Huskers 295-277 yards in total offense. Michigan State won the passing battle 232-129 yards, but lost the rushing battle to the Huskers 198-63 yards.

The Blackshirts played valiantly at times but missed some key stops in the game. NU won the time of possession 31:39 to 28:41, but that didn't seem to matter.

The loss erased a golden opportunity for Nebraska to become bowl eligible - something it hasn't done since 2016. That's the hardest part to swallow.

Nebraska needs to flush this loss out of its system and find a way to clean up its mistakes. Yes, the Tank Commander didn't have one of his best days at QB. He needs to be able to see and hit his open receivers (see Alex Bullock and Jaylen Lloyd). NU left too many points on the field today.

The good news is all NU's mistakes are correctable. But can Nebraska get them fixed in time?

Nebraska has three chances to get at least one win to go bowling. Can the Huskers do it? No one knows. We'll just have to chew our fingernails until they get their sixth win.

• More coverage & commentary: HuskerMax game page

Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State defensive back Caleb Coley tackles Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock as tight end Thomas Fidone II attempts to block.

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Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser throws to a receiver in the first quarter at Spartan Stadium.

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Michigan State tight end Brennan Parachek runs upfield behind the back of Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome in the first quarter.

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Michigan State tight end Jaylan Franklin runs upfield against the Cornhuskers in the first quarter.

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Michigan State defensive back Brandon Lewis and defensive back Khary Crump tackle Nebraska wide receiver Joshua Fleeks in the first quarter.

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Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser sprints upfield in the first quarter.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg hands the ball to running back Emmett Johnson.

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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with assistants on the sideline during the first half.

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Michigan State defensive lineman Maverick Hansen sacks Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg in the first quarter.

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Michigan State's Jaden Mangham intercepts a deep pass inside the MSU 5 yard line during the first quarter.

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Michigan State'a Ryan Eckley punts from the end zone and under pressure from Nebraska defensive lineman Blaise Gunnerson in the first quarter.

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Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog almost comes down with a pass intended for Michigan State wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. in the first quarter.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg scores a touchdown in the second quarter.

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Nebraska players celebrate their second-quarter quarter touchdown.

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Mikai Gbayor sacks  Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt during the first quarter.

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Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry pulls in a pass in the third quarter against Nebraska defensive back Omar Brown.

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Nebraska's Joshua Fleeks carries the ball during the second quarter.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg looks for a receiver in the third quarter.

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Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock is tackled by Jaden Mangham during the first quarter.

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Michigan State placekicker Jonathan Kim kicks the ball through the arms of the Nebraska defense and through the uprights in the third quarter.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg leaps to throw to a receiver in the third quarter.

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Michigan State's Khris Bogle sacks Heinrich Haarberg during the second quarter.

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Nebraska wide receiver Joshua Fleeks tries to evade Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker in the third quarter.

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Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry leaves Nebraska defensive backs Phalen Sanford and Tamon Lynum on the turf in the fourth quarter.

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Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg looks for a receiver as Teddy Prochazka blocks MSU's Aaron Brule during the second quarter.

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Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser sprints upfield in the fourth quarter.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg is pressured by defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. during the third quarter.

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Michigan State defensive back Khalil Majeed bats a pass away from Nebraska wide receiver Jaidyn Doss.

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Phalen Sanford's hit causes an incompletion on a pass to MSU quarterback Sam Leavitt during the fourth quarter.

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Nebraska offensive lineman Bryce Benhart beats Michigan State defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. and Nebraska offensive lineman Nouredin Nouili to a loose ball in the fourth quarter.  

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Michigan State defenders bat the ball away from Jaidyn Doss on Nebraska's final pass attempt.

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Michigan State head coach Harlon Barnett celebrates the Spartans' 20-17 win on Senior Day.