Missed Opportunity for the Huskers vs. the Spartans

Nebraska stumbles in East Lansing in 20-17 loss

Matt Rhule's crew did not live up to their standards, lost the turnover battle, played anemic tentative offense and special teams were dominated by Michigan State. Even the defense while good against the run left gaping holes in the secondary. All this led to 0-1 for the week. Failure can be Matt Rhule's friend, but another hungry team awaits in the Maryland Terrapins. Turning failure in every phase of the game is the challenge for Husker coaches this week. Heinrich Haarberg is at a turning point. Does he move forward or continue to regress?

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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.