Tommy Armstrong, Jr., threw a game-winning 30-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Reilly with 17 seconds remaining, lifting Nebraska to a 39-38 home upset of previously unbeaten Michigan State.
It didn't come without some controversy, though. Reilly stepped out of bounds during the pass route, but officials ruled he was forced out, which makes him eligible to receive a pass. The play was reviewed, and the ruling on the field was upheld.
Michigan State had a chance to respond, as the Spartans started a drive from their own 42-yard line with 14 seconds remaining. After a 17-yard completion, MSU called timeout with 7 seconds remaining. They then ran a pass play and quarterback Connor Cook threw the ball away, but not before time expired in regulation.
Cornhuskers receiver Jordan Westerkamp paced the offense with nine catches for 143 yards and a touchdown, but it was Reilly's score that made the difference.
The loss deals the Spartans, who were ranked No. 7 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, a significant blow in its hopes of earning a berth in the four-team playoff. Michigan State (8-1) faces Big Ten favorite and defending national champion Ohio State on Nov. 21.
Cook, one of the top NFL draft prospects for 2016 at the quarterback position, completed 23 of 37 passes for 335 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Aaron Burbridge, Cook's favorite target, caught 10 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
