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It was widely assumed that Michigan State‘s College Football Playoff chances would hinge on its game against Ohio State on November 21. Apparently, that’s what the Spartans believed as well, as they forgot to show up on Saturday night in Lincoln, NE, for a game against the 3-6 Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Michigan State had a 38-26 lead with just under two minutes remaining, but couldn’t hold off a late-game rally as the Huskers scored two touchdowns in the last 1:47, and stunned the Spartans, 39-38.
The game-winning touchdown wasn’t without controversy — is anything in college football this year? Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. hit receiver Brandon Reilly for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds remaining, but looking at the replay, Reilly stepped out of bounds. The referees ruled that he was forced out by the defensive back, which allowed him to remain an eligible receiver.
Here’s the video:
While it obviously seems like another blown call by the officials, there was no reason that the game should’ve come down to that play. The Spartans had every opportunity to close this game out, and couldn’t do it. I’m sure it’s frustrating to have it come down to that one call, but if Michigan State had executed better down the stretch, it would’ve left Lincoln with an unblemished record.
With 1:47 remaining, all Michigan State needed was one first down, and the game would be over. The Spartans ran the ball three straight times, resulting in two yards, before taking a delay of game penalty to run the clock down as far as it would go. With 55 seconds remaining, the Huskers took over at their own nine-yard line with no timeouts left, and were still able to drive down the field on the Spartans’ weak defense.
This epic choke will cost the Spartans any shot they had at making the College Football Playoff.
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
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