The Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1, 0-1) welcomed in the first big test of the 2025 season, No. 20 Michigan (3-1, 1-0). Despite a valiant effort by the Huskers, the Wolverines came into Lincoln and delivered a 30-27 defeat.
Early mishaps ultimately came back to haunt Nebraska. The Huskers’ opening drive resulted in a turnover on downs just shy of the first down line when they could have kicked a field goal.
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Nebraska, however, missed a field goal on its next drive from 44 yards out before Dylan Raiola threw his first interception of the season on the following drive. All of this played a part in the Huskers coming up three points short.
However, Nebraska faced challenges outside of those early miscues. Raiola met the turf numerous times with the Wolverines, racking up seven sacks in the game. Michigan also gashed Nebraska on the ground, scoring all three touchdowns from beyond 35 yards and finishing with 286 rushing yards.
Dylan Raiola was the primary catalyst for the Nebraska offense. He finished the afternoon 30-of-41 for 308 yards and three touchdowns. The highlight of the day for Raiola came right before halftime when he hit Jacory Barney on a Hail Mary touchdown, tying the game at 17.
Barney led the Huskers’ receiving corps, hauling in six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Luke Lindenmeyer finished second on the team with seven catches for 60 yards, while Heinrich Haarberg snatched his first career touchdown catch. The running game struggled, with starting running back Emmett Johnson only earning 65 yards on 19 carries.
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The Blackshirts, meanwhile, did keep Bryce Underwood’s arm in check, allowing just 105 passing yards and even recovering a fumble in the process. The group finished the game with one sack and five tackles for loss as well.
Kyle Cunanan also bounced back from his first missed field goal, kicking 2-for-3 on the day to keep Nebraska in the fight. But in the end, the Huskers once again suffered a one-score defeat and started Big Ten action 0-1.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1, 0-1) will now enter a bye week to recover. They will retake the field on Saturday, Oct. 4, when they host the Michigan State Spartans (3-1, 0-1) at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time and network are TBD.
Find the best social media reactions to Nebraska’s loss below.
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The champ
The greatest team ever
Dylan sends a message
Hail Mary!
Take the points
Pure class
Is Rhule happy?
Still good
Single-digit games
Nobody panic
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska football fans and media react to 30-27 loss to Michigan
