Nebraska ended Michigan State’s unbeaten season and dealt their playoff hopes a crushing blow with a shocking 39-38 come-from-behind victory on Saturday night, and they may have received some help from the referees on the game-winning touchdown.
Brandon Reilly’s 30 yard touchdown reception with 17 seconds left put Nebraska on top, but the receiver clearly stepped out of bounds before making the catch. The question was whether he stepped out on his own or was forced out by a Michigan State defensive back.
It’s hard to see, but replay doesn’t seem to indicate that Reilly was pushed out. Nevertheless, the referees ruled that he was, and the touchdown was allowed to stand.
Michigan State can blame the refs, but they also have to point a finger at themselves. They led 38-26 with four minutes left and allowed the Cornhuskers to go 91 yards in the final minute for the game-winning score. The Spartans have played with fire all season and gotten away with it. Without improvement, it was always going to bite them at some point.
