Big Ten week 5 power rankings: The East, including Penn State, is dominating

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports)
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Michigan State’s Chase Kline, right, tackles Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez (Image via Lansing State Journal) /

810. . 2-3 (0-2). Previous: 13th. Cornhuskers . 13. team

Nebraska just keeps finding ways to lose.

The Cornhuskers held a 20-13 lead over Michigan State with 3:47 remaining in the game, that’s when Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed took a punt return 62 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

Once in overtime, Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez threw a costly interception that Michigan State almost returned for a touchdown. Nebraska needed their defense to come up big, but they didn’t as Michigan State quickly got the three yard-line, setting up the game winning field for Matt Coghlin.

An upset win on the road against a ranked Michigan State team would have been huge for Nebraska, and likely would have been considered the biggest win for Scott Frost at Nebraska. Key mistakes late in the game prevented that from being the case though.

Nebraska outplayed Michigan State for most of the game. They outgained the Spartans 442-254 and won the time of possession battle 37:28 to 22:32. Despite this, the little things matter, like special teams and turnovers.

This team just can’t get out of their own way sometimes.

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