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Nebraska coach Matt Rhule inquires with the officials about a call at Michigan State (Nov. 4, 2023)
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Nebraska coach Matt Rhule inquires with the officials about a call at Michigan State (Nov. 4, 2023)

The Turning Point: Nebraska at Michigan State

A touchdown that survived review tilted the contest toward the Spartans
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers

The average number of plays in a given college football game is 180. Each snap brings an opportunity, but each one is not held equal. One snap every game creates one play made by one or a slew of players, affecting the rest of the contest. This play is the turning point. The turning point makes or breaks a team's game and sometimes their season.

Nebraska football walked into East Lansing, Michigan, riding a three-game winning streak and possessed a golden opportunity to qualify for a bowl game and continue their surge for a Big Ten West title. Instead, they laid an egg.

The game was full of sloppy offense we are accustomed to, but defensive coverage mistakes we have not seen this year.

It seemed like a Nebraska football game we were so familiar with watching in the previous era. And very much like the luck of the previous six years of Cornhusker football, Saturday’s turning point probably shouldn’t have counted.

With both offenses struggling, it felt like the team that gained a two-possession lead first would be the victor. After a 38-yard punt, Michigan State held great field position to do exactly that. After converting on third down, the Spartans held the ball on Nebraska’s 25. Backup QB Sam Leavitt rifled a ball into the end zone to wide receiver JR Montorie. Montorie corralled the ball and rolled into the endzone.

Looking at the replay, it appeared the ball hit the ground while Montorie fell into the end zone and that he lost control for a split second. FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino’s opinion was that it was an incomplete pass.

In what was a very close call, replay review allowed the touchdown call to stand.

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While Nebraska still had many opportunities to win the game, this play firmly shifted control to the Spartans. The touchdown put the pressure on a Husker offense that struggled all game long. It felt like a herculean task for the Big Red to put 10 points on the board.

From then on, the game was an uphill battle for the Big Red. The Huskers were forced to shy away from their identity and threw the ball 13 times after the touchdown. Michigan State was able to pin their ears back, which made it difficult for quarterback Heinrich Haarberg to move the ball down the field through the air.

What was particularly deflating about the play is that it likely should not have counted. The ball clearly hits the ground, and Matorie’s bottom hand seems to separate from the ball for a split second. But because of how close the play was, the replay officials decided to stick with the original call.

Regardless of how you think Nebraska played and whether or not they deserved to win, this call changed the game. It potentially changed the game's result and could change the entire result of the season. This touchdown, without a doubt, is the most impactful turning point of the season so far and very easily could have massive impacts on the rest of the year for Nebraska football.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Caleb Coley tackles Alex Bullock

Michigan State defensive back Caleb Coley tackles Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock as tight end Thomas Fidone II attempts to block.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Katin Houser throws

Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser throws to a receiver in the first quarter at Spartan Stadium.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Brennan Parachek runs behind Quinton Newsome

Michigan State tight end Brennan Parachek runs upfield behind the back of Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Jaylan Franklin runs

Michigan State tight end Jaylan Franklin runs upfield against the Cornhuskers in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Brandon Lewis and Khary Crump tackle Joshua Fleeks

Michigan State defensive back Brandon Lewis and defensive back Khary Crump tackle Nebraska wide receiver Joshua Fleeks in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Katin Houser runs

Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser sprints upfield in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg hands off to Emmett Johnson

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg hands the ball to running back Emmett Johnson.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Matt Rhule talks with assistants

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with assistants on the sideline during the first half.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Maverick Hansen sacks Heinrich Haarberg

Michigan State defensive lineman Maverick Hansen sacks Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg in the first quarter.

Jaden Mangham interception 2023 Michigan State vs Nebraska football USATSI_21816019

Michigan State's Jaden Mangham intercepts a deep pass inside the MSU 5 yard line during the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Ryan Eckley punts as Blaise Gunnerson pressures

Michigan State'a Ryan Eckley punts from the end zone and under pressure from Nebraska defensive lineman Blaise Gunnerson in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Malcolm Hartzog almost intercepts

Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog almost comes down with a pass intended for Michigan State wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. in the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg scores touchdown

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg scores a touchdown in the second quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Huskers celebrate touchdown

Nebraska players celebrate their second-quarter quarter touchdown.

Mikai Gbayor sack 2023 Nebraska football vs Michigan State USATSI_21816122

Mikai Gbayor sacks  Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt during the first quarter.

USATSI_21817119

Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry pulls in a pass in the third quarter against Nebraska defensive back Omar Brown.

Joshua Fleeks 2023 Nebraska football vs Michigan State USATSI_21816115

Nebraska's Joshua Fleeks carries the ball during the second quarter.

NU vs MSU 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg scans the field

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg looks for a receiver in the third quarter.

Alex Bullock 2023 Nebraska vs Michigan State football USATSI_21815991

Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock is tackled by Jaden Mangham during the first quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Jonathan Kim kicks

Michigan State placekicker Jonathan Kim kicks the ball through the arms of the Nebraska defense and through the uprights in the third quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Heinrich Haarberg leaps

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg leaps to throw to a receiver in the third quarter.

Heinrich Haarberg sacked 2023 Nebraska vs Michigan State football USATSI_21816024

Michigan State's Khris Bogle sacks Heinrich Haarberg during the second quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Joshua Fleeks and Chance Rucker

Nebraska wide receiver Joshua Fleeks tries to evade Michigan State defensive back Chance Rucker in the third quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Tyrell Henry and Phalen Sanford and Tamon Lynum

Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry leaves Nebraska defensive backs Phalen Sanford and Tamon Lynum on the turf in the fourth quarter.

Heinrich Haarberg and Teddy Prochazka 2023 Nebraska vs Michigan State football USATSI_21816047

Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg looks for a receiver as Teddy Prochazka blocks MSU's Aaron Brule during the second quarter.

USATSI_21817433

Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser sprints upfield in the fourth quarter.

Heinrich Haarberg pressured by Michigan State 2023 USATSI_21816553

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg is pressured by defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. during the third quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Jaidyn Doss and Khalil Majeed

Michigan State defensive back Khalil Majeed bats a pass away from Nebraska wide receiver Jaidyn Doss.

Phalen Sanford pass breakup 2023 Nebraska vs Michigan State football USATSI_21816578

Phalen Sanford's hit causes an incompletion on a pass to MSU quarterback Sam Leavitt during the fourth quarter.

NU vs. MSU 2023 - Bryce Benhart

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.  

Last play 2023 Nebraska at Michigan State football Jaidyn Doss USATSI_21817254

Michigan State defenders bat the ball away from Jaidyn Doss on Nebraska's final pass attempt.

Michigan State coach Harlon Barnett postgame vs Nebraska USATSI_21817420

Michigan State head coach Harlon Barnett celebrates the Spartans' 20-17 win on Senior Day.

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