In a matchup of two of the most storied and historically decorated programs in the history of college football — both with large, rabid fan bases and iconic helmets — Michigan came out on top.
Behind a relentless rushing attack and an aggressive pass rush, No. 20 Michigan defeated Nebraska 30-27 on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska in the Big Ten opener for both teams.
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Wolverines running back Justice Haynes had his way against the Cornhuskers, rumbling for 149 yards on 17 carries, an output highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown run. It was one of two long touchdown scampers for Michigan, with Jordan Marshall’s 54-yard touchdown in the third quarter pushing his team’s lead to 27-17.
The Wolverines’ defensive line feasted on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, sacking the sophomore standout seven times. When he had time in the pocket, Raiola performed well, completing 30 of 41 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood completed 12 of 22 passes for 105 yards while adding 61 rushing yards, many of which came on a 37-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
It was the first loss of the season for Nebraska, which has lost its past five Big Ten openers. The game was the Wolverines’ final contest under interim head coach Biff Poggi, with head coach Sherrone Moore set to return from his two-game suspension after Saturday’s victory.
USA TODAY Sports brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.
Michigan vs Nebraska live score
This section will be updated throughout the game
Michigan vs Nebraska updates
Michigan vs Nebraska highlights
Final: Michigan 30, Nebraska 27
Michigan recovers the onside kick after the Dylan Raiola touchdown pass and drains the remaining clock to defeat Nebraska 30-27.
Dylan Raiola TD pass gets Nebraska within one score of Michigan
Nebraska’s slim hopes of a win against Michigan remain alive. Dylan Raiola ends a 10-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Heinrich Haarberg to cut the Wolverines’ lead to 30-27 with 1:34 remaining.
Brandyn Hillman targeting call overturned
As Nebraska drives up the field trying to cut into its deficit, Michigan defensive back Brandyn Hillman is whistled for targeting on a hit on Jacory Barney Jr. on a 21-yard catch that gets the Huskers to the Michigan 3-yard line. Upon video review, though, the penalty is overturned.
Dominic Zvada extends Michigan lead to two scores
It didn’t end with a touchdown, but Michigan plays its latest drive about as well as it could have. The Wolverines go 77 yards in 16 plays while draining 8:46 off the clock, a march that ends with a 21-yard Dominic Zvada field goal to give Michigan a 30-20 lead with 3:54 remaining. Biff Poggi’s team got some big plays along the way, including a 19-yard Justice Haynes run.
It’ll take an unusual series of events for Nebraska to pull off a win.
Dylan Raiola sacked again, leads to Nebraska punt
Dylan Raiola is sacked for the seventh time today by Michigan, this time on a third-and-12 from the Nebraska 27-yard line.
The Huskers punt with 12:53 remaining and the Wolverines will take over at their own 20.
Michigan punts
Nebraska will get the ball back with a chance to tie the game after forcing a Michigan punt. The Huskers’ drive will start at their own 29-yard line with 14:05 remaining.
Nebraska FG gets Huskers within one score of Michigan
A 12-play, 55-yard Nebraska drive ends with a 38-yard Kyle Cunanan field goal to get the Huskers within seven, 27-20, with 14:56 remaining.
Nebraska very nearly got closer, as it appeared Dylan Raiola found Nyziah Hunter for a 20-yard touchdown on a third-and-14, but officials rule that Hunter stepped out of the back of the end zone before coming back on the field to catch the pass.
End of third quarter: Michigan 27, Nebraska 17
Nebraska will open the fourth quarter with a 38-yard field goal attempt that could get it back within a single score of Michigan.
Jordan Marshall TD run extends Michigan’s lead vs Nebraska
For the second time today, a Wolverines running back takes a handoff to the house for a long touchdown. This time, the heroics come courtesy of Jordan Marshall, who blasts through a huge gap his offensive line created and outruns the Nebraska secondary for a 54-yard touchdown scamper.
Michigan now leads 27-17 with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.
Nebraska punts again
Nebraska goes three-and-out, with an Archie Wilson punt giving Michigan the ball back at its 38-yard line with 6:21 left in the third quarter. The Huskers have negative-one yards across their two second-half possessions.
Dominic Zvada FG puts Michigan ahead of Nebraska
The Wolverines break their tie with Nebraska, going 22 yards in eight plays, setting up a Dominic Zvada 56-yard field goal that would have been good from 65 yards, if not 70. The kick ties a career long.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Zvada has made all nine of his field goal attempts from 50 yards or more.
Nebraska punts
Trapped inside their own 5-yard line, the Huskers aren’t able to do much of anything, going three-and-out and punting. Michigan will take over at its 40-yard line with 10:21 remaining in the third quarter after a 52-yard Archie Wilson punt.
Michigan punts on opening drive
The Wolverines get near midfield on their opening drive of the second half, but Justice Haynes is tackled two yard short of the sticks on a third-and-3, forcing a Michigan punt. Nebraska will take over at its own 3-yard line.
Michigan vs Nebraska halftime stats
Here are how the Wolverines and Huskers measure up in some of the major statistical categories at halftime:
- Total yards: Nebraska 253, Michigan 195
- Pass yards: Nebraska 210, Michigan 41
- Rushing yards: Michigan 154, Nebraska 43
- Plays: Nebraska 42, Michigan 21
- Yards per play: Michigan 9.3, Nebraska 6
- Third downs: Nebraska 2-7, Michigan 0-4
- Time of possession: Nebraska 19:58, Michigan 10:02
- Sacks: Michigan 4, Nebraska 1
Michigan vs Nebraska live stream
The game between the Wolverines and Huskers can be streamed on Paramount+, which requires a subscription, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Halftime: Michigan 17, Nebraska 17
After Dylan Raiola’s Hail Mary touchdown pass, Nebraska and Michigan are tied at 17 at halftime. The Wolverines will get the opening kickoff of the second half.
Dylan Raiola Hail Mary TD ties Nebraska vs Michigan at halftime
Nebraska looked destined to head into halftime with a 7-point deficit, with a fourth-and-11 at its own 48-yard line with one second left in the second quarter. Dylan Raiola, however, had other ideas.
The Huskers’ sophomore quarterback rolls to his right and heaves up a Hail Mary, which ended up in the hands of Jacory Barney Jr. for a 52-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock.
Justice Haynes long TD run puts Michigan back ahead of Nebraska
Immediately after giving up the lead, Michigan takes it back.
On the first play from scrimmage after the Dylan Raiola touchdown pass, Wolverines running back Justice Haynes bursts through the middle of the Nebraska defense for a 75-yard touchdown run to put his team back on top, 17-10.
It’s the fourth touchdown run of at least 50 yards this season for the Alabama transfer.
Dylan Raiola TD pass ties Nebraska vs Michigan
We’ve got a tie ballgame in Lincoln. Nebraska’s third-down struggles end in a big way on its latest drive, with Dylan Raiola connecting with Jacory Barney Jr. for a 26-yard touchdown up the middle.
With the extra point, it’s tied at 10 with 2:01 remaining in the first half.
Michigan punts
The Wolverines pick up a first down on a Justice Haynes 11-yard run, but they’re not able to get past their own 36-yard line. A 49-yard Hudson Hollenbeck punt is returned 20 yards by Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. to the Huskers’ 37.
Nebraska gets on the board with FG
The Huskers are able to turn the Bryce Underwood fumble into points. A Dylan Raiola 21-yard completion to Dane Key gets Nebraska down to the Michigan 21-yard line. On a third-and-3 from the Wolverines’ 14, Raiola is sacked for a 7-yard loss. Michigan already has three sacks only 21 minutes into the game.
Nebraska’s able to salvage the drive with some points, though, getting a 39-yard field goal from Kyle Cunanan.
Bryce Underwood fumbles, Nebraska recovers
Bryce Underwood is able to scamper for a first down on an 8-yard run on third-and-3, but the Michigan quarterback is stripped of the ball by Elijah Jeudy just before going to the turf. Nebraska falls on it and will take over at its own 48-yard line.
Nebraska punts
After a false start turned a third-and-3 into a third-and-8, Dylan Raiola is sacked for an 11-yard loss back at the Nebraska 16-yard line, forcing the Huskers to punt. Michigan will take over at its own 37 after a 47-yard punt from Archie Wilson.
End of first quarter: Michigan 10, Nebraska 0
The first quarter ends with Nebraska facing a third-and-3 from its own 32-yard line.
Wolverines pick off Dylan Raiola, score touchdown off turnover
Two Wolverines defenders key in on a quick out by Raiola. Jyaire Hill misses a potential pick-6, but linebacker Cole Sullivan makes the diving interception.
One play later, Bryce Underwood takes it 37 yards, untouched, up the gut on the QB keeper to get the first touchdown of the game. Michigan leads 10-0.
Michigan misses two TD opportunities, settle for field goal
Michigan will be kicking itself after two straight missed opportunities at touchdowns in Nebraska territory. The first saw the Wolverines attempt a trick play, with wide receiver Semaj Morgan underthrowing a wide-open Donaven McCulley in the end zone.
Two plays later, Underwood’s deep pass to Channing Goodwin bounces off his hands. The Wolverines instead settle for a 46-yard field goal.
Nebraska misses FG
A short punt with a bad bounce for Michigan gives Nebraska the ball at the Wolverines’ 37-yard line.
The Huskers get down to the Michigan 21 before Dylan Raiola is sacked for a 5-yard loss on third-and-7. After that, a Kyle Cunanan 44-yard field goal misses wide right, marking the first time this season he hasn’t connected on an attempt.
Nebraska has twice gotten inside the Michigan 25, but hasn’t come away with any points.
Michigan stuffs Nebraska on fourth down
Nebraska comes up empty-handed on a promising opening drive, getting down to the Michigan 6-yard line. From there, coach Matt Rhule opts to go for it on fourth-and-2, but the Wolverines snuff out a shovel pass from Dylan Raiola to Luke Lindenmeyer, with Lindenmeyer stopped a yard short of the sticks.
Michigan will take over at its own 5.
Nebraska jerseys vs Michigan
The Huskers will be going with their traditional home look against Michigan — white pants, red jerseys and white helmets.
Michigan jerseys vs Nebraska
Michigan will be wearing navy blue pants, white jerseys and the Wolverines’ famed winged helmets Saturday against Nebraska.
Bryce Underwood warms up before Michigan vs Nebraska
The Wolverines’ freshman phenom quarterback gets ready on the field at Memorial Stadium before his team’s game against Nebraska. It’s Underwood’s Big Ten debut.
Dylan Raiola leads Nebraska on the field vs Michigan
Less than an hour before one of the biggest games of his college career, Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola leads his team out on to the field at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
Bryce Underwood stats
Three games into his college career, Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, has completed 57.5% of his passes for 628 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Underwood has added 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Michigan vs Nebraska injury updates
According to the latest Big Ten’s football availability report, here’s the injury outlook for Michigan and Nebraska:
Michigan
- Out: WR I’Marion Stewart, DB Zeke Berry, DB Caleb Anderson, QB Davis Warren, DB Tevis Metcalf, RB Micah Ka’apana, RB Donovan Johnson, RB John Volker, LB Jaydon Hood, OL Giovanni El-Hadi, OL Andrew Babalola, DL Manuel Beigel, TE Hogan Hansen, DE Devon Baxter, WR C.J. Charleston, DL Ike Iwunnah
- Questionable: DB Shamari Earls, QB Mikey Keene, DB Rod Moore, DB Mason Curtis, OL Brady Norton
Nebraska
- Out: WR Janiran Bonner, WR Demitrius Bell, DB Blye Hill, RB Jamarion Parker, LB Trent Uhlir, LB Gage Stenger, DL Malcolm Simpson, OL Julian Marks, OL Nolan Fennessy, DL Tyson Terry, OL Gibson Pyle, TE Mac Markway, WR Jackson Carpenter, DL Conor Connealy
- Questionable: DB Malcolm Hartzog Jr., RB Kenneth Williams, DB Caleb Benning, DB Tanner Terch, LB Derek Wacker, WR Jeremiah Jones
College GameDay Michigan vs Nebraska predictions
During the picks segment on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay,’ four of the show’s five panelists went with Michigan to top Nebraska. Here’s a look at how they voted:
- Desmond Howard: Michigan
- Nick Saban: Michigan
- Pat McAfee: Nebraska
- Matthew Tkachuk (celebrity guest-picker): Michigan
- Kirk Herbstreit: Michigan
What time does Michigan vs Nebraska start?
- Date: Saturday, September 20
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Nebraska)
What TV channel is Michigan vs Nebraska on today?
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)
Michigan vs Nebraska predictions
- Matt Hayes, USA TODAY Network: Michigan
- Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Nebraska
- Erick Smith, USA TODAY: Nebraska
- Paul Meyerberg, USA TODAY: Michigan
- Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY: Michigan
- Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY Network: Nebraska
Michigan schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Michigan football’s 2025 results and remaining schedule:
- Saturday, August 30: Michigan 34, New Mexico 17
- Saturday, September 6: No. 24 Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13
- Saturday, September 13: Michigan 63, Central Michigan 3
- Saturday, September 20: at Nebraska *
- Saturday, September 27: BYE
- Saturday, October 4: vs. Wisconsin *
- Saturday, October 11: at USC *
- Saturday, October 18: vs. Washington *
- Saturday, October 25: at Michigan State *
- Saturday, November 1: vs. Purdue *
- Saturday, November 8: BYE
- Saturday, November 15: at Northwestern *
- Saturday, November 22: at Maryland *
- Saturday, November 29: at No. 1 Ohio State *
* Denotes Big Ten game
Nebraska schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Nebraska football’s 2025 results and remaining schedule:
- Thursday, Aug. 28: Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
- Saturday, Sept. 6: Nebraska 68, Akron 0
- Saturday, Sept. 13: Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7
- Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. No. 20 Michigan *
- Saturday, Sept. 27: BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Michigan State *
- Saturday, Oct. 11: at Maryland *
- Friday, Oct. 17: at Minnesota *
- Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Northwestern *
- Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. USC *
- Saturday, Nov. 8: at UCLA *
- Saturday, Nov. 15: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 22: at No. 2 Penn State *
- Friday, Nov. 28: vs. Iowa *
* Denotes Big Ten game