Michigan State vs Nebraska: Report card for the Spartans

Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fullback Andy Janovich (35) carries the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) tackles at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers: B+; Secondary: F

Outside of Darien Harris, the linebackers played exactly how they were supposed to. I say this because the senior linebacker exceeded all expectations and had the game of his career, looking like a legitimate professional-type player.

Harris accumulated 13 tackles and he made some big-time hits and tackles for loss that we had been waiting to see all year. On a couple of occasions, Nebraska tried to throw a wide out screen — which usually works against MSU’s lax secondary — but Harris sniffed it out and tagged the receiver for a loss.

Riley Bullough only had five tackles, but he accounted for a big red zone interception which helped MSU eventually extend its lead. Jon Reschke had six tackles and Chris Frey added three of his own. The only reason these guys don’t get an ‘A-‘ is because of their accountability in the Cornhuskers’ successful rushing attack.

Now on to the secondary — yikes.

Right when you though you had seen the secondary hit rock bottom, a new low happens. For yet another game, the first drive was a success as the secondary looked solid, batting down a ball and playing solid in short coverage.

However, as the game progressed, it just got worse and worse. Heading into the fourth quarter, Spartan coaches had to feel great about the potential outcome of the game as the offensive was clicking on all cylinders and the defense was starting to hit its groove. Then the last four minutes happened.

The longest Nebraska scoring drive in the fourth quarter, out of three, lasted just 4:08 as it drove 65 yards on 10 plays. The next scoring drive, to cut the lead to just five, lasted 2:29 as the Cornhuskers went 53 yards on 10 plays. It was the last game-winning drive that really put the secondary on blast as Nebraska went an incredible 91 yards in 38 seconds on just four plays.

Guys like Jermaine Edmondson and the freshmen — Grayson Miller, Khari Willis and Tyson Smith — were picked on quite a bit. Montae Nicholson was solid, but too quiet overall. There were plenty of chances for interceptions, including a dropped pick in the end zone on the final Nebraska drive by Arjen Colquhoun that would have secured a Spartan victory.

Overall, these defensive backs just broke down completely when it mattered most.

Next: Special Teams