Michigan and Nebraska are two programs that are steeped in tradition and winning. Both have gone through stretches in their programs' history where they have been on top of the sport.
Nebraska was historically a power in the Big 12 conference up until 2011 when they joined the Big Ten. Since they joined, they have been an average to below-average team. Matt Rhule is entering his third season as the head coach and holds a 12-13 overall record. This series is especially contentious because of the 1997 season when these two teams were named co-national champions. However, Michigan was the #1 team in the AP poll, which is the more highly regarded poll compared to the coaches poll, so they are more widely recognized as the 1997 national champions. These two teams have met 10 times. Let's take a look at the numbers, a picturesque Michigan win, and what the future looks like between these two programs.
All time record: Michigan leads 6-4
Most recent meeting: Michigan won 45-7 in 2023
First meeting: Nebraska won 25-13 in 1962
Largest margin of victory: Michigan 56-10 in 2018, Nebraska 23-9 in 2012
Favorite game from the series: Michigan won 34-3 in 2022.
Now, before I get into the recap of this game, I am aware that most Michigan fans' favorite game vs Nebraska all time is the 2021 game in Lincoln, and rightfully so.
However, there was something special about that 2022 November afternoon in Ann Arbor. A 3:30 kickoff with a light snowfall under an overcast sky with a temperature of 38 degrees at kickoff is about as good as it gets for me. There is no more beautiful stadium in all of sports than The Big House and when you combine it with all of those elements, it simply does not get any better.
The game itself was complete domination by Michigan from start to finish. It was an encapsulation of the Michigan team that season, which was death by a thousand cuts. They did not stop running the ball at Nebraska all game long, and then just when they expected a run, JJ would hit them with a play-action pass to move the sticks. A 17-3 halftime lead turned into a 34-3 Wolverine victory. Some notable team stats from the game include 27 Michigan first downs to eight Nebraska first downs, 412 Michigan total yards to 146 Nebraska total yards, and 264 Michigan rushing yards to 75 Nebraska rushing yards.
Lastly, there was one field goal that was especially important in this game for anybody who bet the Michigan spread (-30.5). Michigan got the ball back for their final possession of the game with five minutes left on their 42-yard line with all of their backups in. They were up 31-3 at the time. I figured the game would end this way, and the bet that I placed would fall just short. However, the Michigan offense used a mix of run plays and pass plays to move the ball down the field and set up a 43-yard Jake Moody field goal. This pushed the lead to 34-3 and secured the cover. I always wonder if that was intentional or not by the Michigan staff. I do not think it was, but I'm sure glad they did it, as it put a little extra money in my pocket.
Future outlook: Michigan fooball and Nebraska will play this upcoming season in week four in Lincoln. This will be the first Big Ten game of the season for the Wolverines. Going on the road to Nebraska is never an easy game. It will be even more difficult without Sherrone Moore on the sidelines, as this is one of the games for which he will be serving his two-game suspension.
After this upcoming season, these two teams will next meet in 2028 when the Cornhuskers come to Ann Arbor. Nebraska is a program that desperately needs some momentum this season. Matt Rhule isn't necessarily on the hot seat, but if he continues to have mediocre seasons, that could change quickly. Bryce Underwood's first taste of Big Ten competition will come in what should be a raucous environment. This should be a heck of a start to the Big Ten season, and hopefully, Michigan football leaves Lincoln with a W.