It takes all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — to win a football game, but sometimes one unit has to take the reins.
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Photos: The sights from Nebraska football's game against Michigan State, Oct. 4, 2025
Nebraska fans release balloons after a touchdown in the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) and quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) are embraced by Gunnar Gottula (77) after a touchdown against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) breaks free from Michigan State's Ben Roberts (55) and Justin Denson (12) to score a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
A pylon sporting Nebraska's logo is seen before the start of the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Cortez Mills (19) is tackled by Michigan State's Aydan West (2) during the second half of the game on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska punter Archie Wilson (83) punts the ball away during the first half against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
On a play that was ruled incomplete, Michigan State's Brennan Parachek (82) fumbles a ball picked up by Nebraska's Kade Pietrzak (93) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jacory Barney (2) avoids a tackle attempt by Michigan State's Luke DeJager (87) and Aisea Moa (8) during a punt return Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska native Adam DeVine is seen on the field between the third and fourth quarter during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Kristian Phillips (71) voices his frustration to his team after their quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) is checked on by medical staff during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler watches a kick return during the game against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) adjusts his helmet during the first half of the Michigan State game Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Former Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) breaks free of tackle attempt by Nebraska players, including Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) and Ceyair Wright (1) to run in a touchdown during the second half on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska kicker Kyle Cunanan (91) scores a field goal against Michigan State during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Rahmir Stewart (59) leaves the tunnel before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska's Kade Pietrzak (93) Ceyair Wright (1), Donovan Jones (37) and Javin Wright (0) combine to bring down Michigan State's Makhi Frazier (5) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Braylen Prude (29) and Mario Buford (31) take the field before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska long snapper Kevin Gallic (46) walks the tunnel before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska quarterback Jalyn Gramstad (12) walks out of the tunnel before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska's Brock Knutson (74) walks the tunnel before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the game against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) gets off the ground while Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt (11) celebrates his sack with Kade Pietrzak (93) and Javin Wright (0) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt (11) sacks Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) leads out the Huskers out of the tunnel before the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Dasan McCullough (15) reacts alongside teammates DeShon Singleton (8) and Andrew Marshall (10) during the game against Michigan State on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) breaks free of a tackle by Michigan State's Malcolm Bell (14) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jacory Barney (2) breaks free on a punt return against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (1) tackles Michigan State's Makhi Frazier (5) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) pitches the ball over Nebraska's Kade Pietrzak (93) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Wayne Matthews (10) and Joshua Eaton (7) bring down Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) as he runs with the ball Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) fends off Michigan State's Jalen Thompson (9) as he runs the ball during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) celebrates with Jack Velling (12) after running in a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Makhi Frazier (5) reacts after gaining a first down during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy shushes the sideline after sacking Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (not pictured) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) is congratulated by teammates Gunnar Gottula (77) and Jacory Barney (2) after scoring a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates with Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) after Hunter ran in a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) runs in a touchdown against Michigan State on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Wayne Matthews (10) and Joshua Eaton (7) tackle Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball un for a touchdown after slipping defense by Michigan State's Devynn Cromwell (27) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska beat Michigan State 38-27.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (35) celebrates with his teammates after recovering a fumbled kick return for a turnover against Michigan State during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (35) celebrates after recovering a fumbled kick return for a turnover against Michigan State during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska beat Michigan State 38-27.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates after running the ball in for a touchdown against Michigan State on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown followed by Michigan State's Aydan West (2) on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska beat Michigan State 38-27.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts after winning the game against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska beat Michigan State 38-27.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates with quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) after a second-half touchdown against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Carter Nelson runs the ball in for a touchdown against Michigan State during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) is congratulated by teammates Gunnar Gottula (77) and Jacory Barney (2) after scoring a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates with Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) after Hunter ran in a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) runs in a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) shushes the sideline after sacking Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (not pictured) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Wayne Matthews (10) and Joshua Eaton (7) tackle Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (13) during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) makes a pass during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen watches from the sideline during the second half against Michigan State on Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans cheer on the Huskers after a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates by putting his hands under his head after scoring a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates by putting his hands under his head after scoring a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) avoids a tackle by Michigan State's Devynn Cromwell (27) to score a touchdown during the second half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates his touchdown with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Ava Hollingsworth (right, from Omaha) embraces Claire Kelly (left, from Grand Island) after being dually coronated homecoming queens during halftime on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) intercepts a pass against Michigan State on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks to the sideline after NU was forced to punt during the game against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Wayne Matthews (10) celebrates with Michigan State's Jalen Thompson (9) after Thompson’s sack of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
UNL seniors, from left, Caden Connelly from Lincoln, Claire Kelly from Grand Island, and Ava Hollingsworth from Omaha, pose for a group photo after being coronated as homecoming royalty during halftime on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. In a rare occurrence, Hollingsworth and Kelly tied for homecoming royalty to share the title.
A Michigan State fan celebrates Michigan State's David Santiago (41) after his sack of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Michigan State's David Santiago (41) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) while NU's Elijah Pritchett (57) attempts to block on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) passes during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls out to his players during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Michigan State's Jack Velling (12) attempts to catch a pass under defense by Nebraska's DeShon Singleton (8) during the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska was up 14-7 going into the half.
Nebraska fans release balloons after a touchdown by Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) during the first half of the game.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) is sacked by Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt (11) during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Isaiah Mozee (22) is tripped up by Michigan State's Ben Roberts (55) as he runs the ball during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Anelu Lafaele (11) tackles Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jacory Barney (2) avoids Michigan State defenders as he returns a punt during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) flanked by Rocco Spindler (50) runs the ball during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jamir Conn (13) blocks Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley's (96) punt for a touchdown Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jamir Conn (13) collides with Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley (96) forcing him to fumble the ball for a Husker touchdown during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jamir Conn (13) collides with Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley (96) forcing him to fumble the ball for a Husker touchdown during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) is lifted up by Gunnar Gottula (77) after scoring a touchdown during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is tackled by Michigan State's Malik Spencer (43) and Jordan Hall (5) during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Malik Spencer (43) trips up Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the Oct. 4 game at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (1) knocks away a pass intended for Michigan State's Chrishon McCray (13) on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Javin Wright (0) hurdles Michigan State's Makhi Frazier (5) to sack quarterback Aidan Chiles (2)during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) reacts toward the south endzone before the first half on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Javin Wright (0) hurdles Michigan State's Makhi Frazier (5) to sack quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half.
Nebraska's Turner Corcoran (69) stretches before the game against Michigan State on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Gabe Moore (95) stretches before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Kade Pietrzak (93) warms up with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Cornhusker marching band flag-bearers wait to take the field before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
In this Oct. 4 file photo, former Michigan State coach Johnathan Smith walks on the field during pregame warmups. He was fired Sunday.
Nebraska fans hike the south stadium ramps to get to their seats before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska student fans grab balloons as they enter the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
82-year-old Joyce Douglas, from Lincoln, enjoys a Lolo’s burger before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
14-year-old Lauren Wolf, from Fremont, passes the football during the tailgate before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players and fans are reflected in the awning of the Tom Osborne Legacy Complex during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Budweiser Clydesdale handler Josie Points waits with a horsecollar in the doorway of the transit trailer before game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
A Budweiser Clydesdale sports red and white ribbons and faux flowers before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Keith Wyldes, from Ralston, watches as handlers suit up the Budweiser Clydesdales before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans admire the Budweiser Clydesdale train sitting parked in front of the stadium before the game.
Nebraska mascot Herbie Husker tries to get the crowd pumped up before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Kent Cordes of Kearney adjusts his Nebraska flag to hang from the hitch of his truck before the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Memorial Stadium.
Corbin Eisenmenger, left, and his son Dominic eat snacks and drink Pepsi as they stay cool before the game.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a pass against Michigan State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt (11) sacks Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan State's Anelu Lafaele (11) tackles Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
