Wolverines Back in Top 20: Michigan Rises After 30-27 Victory vs. Nebraska
The Michigan Wolverines are back in the AP Top 20. After sliding following their Week 2 loss to Oklahoma, Michigan bounced back with a gritty 30-27 road win over Nebraska to move up to No. 19 in this week’s poll.
Wolverines Edge Nebraska in Big Ten Opener
Saturday’s game in Lincoln lived up to the billing. Michigan and Nebraska traded blows in the first half, heading into the break tied at 17. The Wolverines found their spark in the third quarter when Jordan Marshall broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run, the longest of his young career, to swing momentum back in Michigan’s favor.
By the fourth quarter, Michigan held a 27-20 lead. Nebraska clawed back with a late touchdown, but a Michigan field goal sealed the three-point win and gave the Wolverines their first Big Ten victory of 2025.
Defense Brings the Pressure
Defensively, Michigan’s front seven made life difficult for the Cornhuskers. The Wolverines piled up seven sacks and ten tackles for loss, keeping Nebraska’s offense from finding a consistent rhythm.
Linebacker Ernest Hausmann continued to set the tone, while the defensive line’s depth showed with contributions across the board.
Ground Game Leads the Way
The offense leaned heavily on its running backs to get the job done. Justice Haynes turned in another standout performance with 149 yards on 17 carries, highlighted by a 47-yard touchdown run. Marshall added 80 yards on just six carries, and quarterback Bryce Underwood chipped in 61 rushing yards of his own along with 105 passing yards. All three scored on runs of 37 yards or more, giving the Wolverines the explosive plays they lacked in their earlier loss to Oklahoma.
What’s Next
With the win, Michigan improves to 3-1 (1-0 Big Ten) and sets up a critical stretch of conference play. The Wolverines return home to Michigan Stadium on October 5 to face the Wisconsin Badgers in another test that will shape their Big Ten outlook.
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