Wolverines' Run Game Explodes, But a 52-Yard Prayer Nearly Sinks Them in Lincoln!

In a Big Ten clash that went down to the wire, the No. 21 Michigan Wolverines survived a monumental scare, escaping Lincoln with a 30-27 victory over a relentless Nebraska Cornhuskers team on Saturday.

Michigan's game plan was clear: dominate on the ground. The Wolverines executed it to near perfection, gashing the Nebraska defense with three explosive, long-distance touchdown runs that formed the backbone of their offense. Running back Justice Haynes was the star of the show, racking up an impressive 149 yards and scoring one of those game-changing touchdowns. He wasn't the only one finding paydirt with his legs; freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, in his first taste of a hostile Big Ten road environment, showed incredible poise. Despite a modest passing day (12-of-22 for 105 yards), Underwood broke free for a spectacular 37-yard touchdown run to open Michigan's scoring.

Just when it seemed the Wolverines might pull away, Nebraska delivered a stunning blow that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. As the first half expired, quarterback Dylan Raiola heaved a 52-yard Hail Mary into the end zone, where it was miraculously hauled in by Jacory Barney Jr. The touchdown leveled the score at 17-17, completely shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

After the break, the teams traded blows. Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) managed to build a narrow lead, but the Cornhuskers refused to fold. After settling for a field goal earlier, Raiola orchestrated a masterful 75-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, culminating in a touchdown that sliced the deficit to just three points with only 1:34 remaining on the clock.

The game hinged on the subsequent onside kick. Nebraska's hopes for a final, game-winning drive were dashed as Michigan's special teams unit secured the ball, allowing the Wolverines to run out the clock and seal the hard-fought win. For Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten), it was a heartbreaking result that extended their agonizing losing streak against AP Top 25 opponents to 28 consecutive games.