PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Given the dispiriting nature of Nebraska’s 56-10 loss at Michigan on Saturday and the sour taste that comes with the first 0-3 start for the Huskers since 1945, perhaps it’s fair to wonder where morale stands in Scott Frost’s locker room.
He said Saturday he doesn’t worry about losing players, though.
“The only ones we would lose are the ones we never really had,†he said. “That’s probably better in the long run. … The guys we are going to actually win with and win championships with would never do that.â€
Mohamed Barry was emphatic. If anybody wants out, they should get out now, said the junior linebacker who led NU with 11 tackles (three for loss).
"In hard times, there are people that when they face adversity, all their life, it’s like a reaction: Go hard. Can’t read? Learn how to read. Not on the varsity team? Keep working hard and get on the varsity team," he said. "This loss right here, oh, yeah, there’s going to be people that are going to get off. And I hope they show it right now so we can get to that team we want to be.
“Let’s just be truthful: There are some people that want it and some people that don’t. That’s why we’re playing the brand of football we’re playing right now. We’re going to get there and it’s all positive, but I hope that if people have any doubt in us and our team that they make their exit now and we get better from here on out."
First-quarter woes: Through three games, the first quarter has been perhaps Nebraska’s worst enemy. The Huskers have been outscored 37-7 and have committed six turnovers in the combined opening quarters against Colorado, Troy and Michigan.
On Saturday, NU’s first quarter series ended like this: interception, punt, punt, punt, fumbled punt return.
They were outgained 174-30 by Michigan and outscored 20-0.
“We’ve had this kind of start to the last three games,†left guard and captain Jerald Foster said. … “We were driving the ball really well at the start and we get the pick, and then you get down on a team like this and it’s really hard. They take advantage of it and they definitely did.â€
Michigan junior safety Josh Metellus, who had the early interception, sensed blood in the water.
“After the first series, when we went back out there, we just knew they wanted to give up,†he said. “You could just see it in their eyes. It's not anything I can really put into words (but) you could tell by the way a receiver is running his route, or the way you get blocked or the type of passion they're playing with. We just sensed they didn't have it, so we used it to our advantage.â€
Bunch averted serious injury: Frost felt it necessary to protect Martinez and decided to play sophomore walk-on Andrew Bunch for the second half of what at the time was a 39-0 game.
It almost backfired when Bunch crumpled to the turf after a crushing hit on his first snap.
“My heart was in my throat when Andrew was down,†Frost said.
Martinez finished that drive and then Bunch, who limped off with the help of two members of NU’s staff, was able to return.
“We’ve only got two guys, so we’ve got to make sure to protect them in any way we can,†Frost said.
Third-down disaster: Michigan dominated third downs on both sides of the ball.
The Huskers converted only 3-of-13 and faced an average distance of 10.2 per attempt. Freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez found senior receiver Stanley Morgan for 32 yards on third-and-9 on NU’s opening series, but after that, the Huskers managed just 18 yards on 12 tries.
The Wolverines, meanwhile, picked up 7 of 15 and split a pair of fourth-down tries, too.
Captains resolute: Senior outside linebacker Luke Gifford said after the game that there’s really nothing to do except get back to work as soon as possible.
“Honestly, it should be at a whole new level,†the Lincoln Southeast graduate said. “Like Coach Frost mentioned in the locker room, we’re going to find out who loves football. That’s what you want. This is tough. This is a tough situation to be in and a lot of guys have been in this situation the past few years, but it’s going to be how we respond.
“Us four captains, I know what direction we’re going and I know what direction our guys are going to follow us.â€
Mazour logs first career touchdown: It didn’t amount to much on the scoreboard, but junior running back Wyatt Mazour picked up his first career touchdown in the fourth quarter on a pitch from Bunch.
Mazour, the former Boone Central standout, earned a scholarship for the first time at the end of fall camp and has been mainly a contributor on special teams.
He finished with five carries for 18 yards, adding a career-best 17 yard scamper earlier in the fourth quarter.
Second-string OL comes into focus: It’s not the way Nebraska would have wanted to get it’s second-string offensive line some real game action, but the group did see the field in the second half of Saturday’s blowout loss.
From left to right, NU used Christian Gaylord, Boe Wilson, Hunter Miller, Trent Hixon and Matt Sichterman. Wilson at left guard was interesting, as he mostly had been used at right over his first two seasons of action here.
Several other reserve players got some run in the second half, including outside linebackers Guy Thomas and Caleb Tannor and receivers Jaevon McQuitty and Jaron Woodyard.
Injury updates: Sophomore safety JoJo Domann did not make the trip due to an unspecified injury. A reserve and special teams regular against Colorado, Domann has not practiced much in the past two weeks and did not play against Troy.Â
Senior defensive tackle Mick Stoltenberg came up limping early on and played sporadically the rest of the way Saturday. Stoltenberg had minor knee surgery this spring but took part in all of fall camp and has played in NU's first two games.
Photos: Huskers, Wolverines clash at the Big House
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) gets help as teammate Jake McCurry (43) puts a hit on Nebraska punter Caleb Lightbourn (35) en route to a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets tackled by Michigan's Devin Bush (10), Devin Gil (36) and Michael Dwumfour in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. Martinez was sacked four times in the Huskers' 56-10 loss to the Wolverines.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska running back Wyatt Mazour (37), seen here being pursued by the Wolverines' Brad Hawkins (20), Jordan Anthony (34) and Casey Hughes (35), scored the Huskers only touchdown against Michigan in a 56-10 loss at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost talks with the game officials after a safety was scored against the Huskers late in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) looks for an open receiver as lineman Matt Farniok (71) defends against the Wolverines' defense in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska running back Wyatt Mazour (37), seen here on a fourth-quarter run, scored the Huskers' only touchdown against Michigan in a 56-10 loss at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska's Khalil Davis (94) and Dedrick Young II (5) force a fumble from Michigan's O'Maury Samuels (23) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. The Wolverines recovered the ball.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska running back Wyatt Mazour dives over the goal line to score the Huskers only touchdown of the game against Michigan linebacker Jordan Anthony (34) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska kicker Barret Pickering (32) converts the Huskers first points of the game with a third-quarter field goal against the Wolverines under the hold of Isaac Armstrong (left) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman (10) gets hit by Michigan's Brandon Watson in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
The Michigan scoreboard reflects the meager stats for Nebraska following a touchdown by the Wolverines' Ronnie Bell in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan punter Will Hart (17) gets a punt off as Nebraska's Collin Miller (31) reaches out for the ball in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
An announced crowd of 111,037 celebrate a touchdown by Michigan's Ronnie Bell in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska's Tre Neal (14) is consoled by teammate Dicaprio Bootle (23) after the Wolverines' Donovan Peoples-Jones scored on a punt return in the third quarter with Neal in pursuit at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) gets protection from his linemen as he looks to hand off the ball in the first half against Nebraska at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush (10) gives a pat to Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch (17) as he is attended to by trainers in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. Bunch later returned to the game.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch (17) and Devine Ozigbo (22) look toward the Huskers bench in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles behind his offensive line in the first half against Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost argues a call against the Huskers with an official in the first half at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 22.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) looks up at the scoreboard after he was sacked in the second quarter by Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska defensive back Tre Neal (14) pressures Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson in the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) throws a pass against Nebraska in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) rushes for a first down with teammate Cesar Ruiz (51) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles away from Michigan lineman Chase Winovich (15) in the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, college football, 9.22.18
Nebraska players prepare to take the field against Michigan in 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Will there be college football in the fall? What will it look like? Players, coaches and fans have had to wade through a sea of false alarms, about-face decision-making, conflicting reports and just plain uncertainty as the sports world tries to cope with a pandemic.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska's Alex Davis (22) was flagged for the facemask on Michigan's Ronnie Bell (8) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh (center) and Nebraska coach Scott Frost (right) walk off the field after the Wolverines' 56-10 win over the Huskers at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) rushes Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) on a second quarter play that resulted in a safety at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska running back Wyatt Mazour (37) scored the Huskers' only touchdown against Michigan in a 56-10 loss at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is hit by Michigan lineman Aidan Hutchinson on a play that resulted in a safety on Sept. 22, 2018, in Ann Harbor, Mich.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska kicker Barret Pickering (32) converts the Huskers first points of the game with a third-quarter field goal against the Wolverines under the hold of Isaac Armstrong (left) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) leaves Nebraska's Cam Taylor (17) and Jack Stoll (86) behind him en route to a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska running back Wyatt Mazour (37), seen here with the Wolverines' Jordan Anthony (34) on a fourth-quarter run, scored the Huskers' only touchdown against Michigan in a 56-10 loss at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost talks with the officials after Michigan got a safety against the Huskers in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) rushes past Nebraska's Cam Taylor (17) and Jack Stoll (86) en route to a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Michigan fullback Ben Mason (42) scores his third touchdown of the first half with a 1-yard run against Nebraska in the second quarter Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws on the run during warm-ups prior to the game against the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez warms up with a brace on his left knee prior to the game against the Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost and the team arrive at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) warms up with a pre-game throw as Huskers teammate Andrew Bunch (17) looks on at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez surveys the scene at Michigan Stadium after getting off the bus with his teammates on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska fans greet the team as they arrive at Michigan Stadium for their game against the Wolverines on Sept. 22, 2018, in Ann Harbor, Mich.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry surveys the scene in the end zone at Michigan Stadium after he and the team arrived by bus on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Michigan, 9/22
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (center) and his teammates survey the scene at Michigan Stadium after getting off the bus on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan linebacker Jordan Glasgow (29) sacks Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez as Chase Winovich (15) assists during a Sept. 22, 2018, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
PAUL SANCYA, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary (3) sacks Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) scores on a 44-yard run as Nebraska defensive back Antonio Reed (25) defends in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan's Ambry Thomas (1) recovers a fumble by Nebraska Tyjon Lindsey on a punt return Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
PAUL SANCYA, The Associated Press
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson throws a pass against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan running back Karan Higdon scores on a 44-yard touchdown run against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches against Michigan in the first half against Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
PAUL SANCYA, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) scores on a 44-yard run as Nebraska defensive back Antonio Reed (25) defends in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. (8) catches a pass as Michigan defensive back Tyree Kinnel (23) defends in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush celebrates a stop against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan place kicker Quinn Nordin (3) celebrates his 50-yard field goal with Ben Bredeson (74) in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan fullback Ben Mason (42) is brought down by Nebraska defensive lineman Carlos Davis (96) in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus celebrates an interception against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan fullback Ben Mason (42) celebrates his one-yard touchdown run with Shea Patterson (2) in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) scores on a 44-yard touchdown run as Nebraska defensive back Antonio Reed (25) defends in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan place kicker Quinn Nordin kicks an extra point in the first half of an NCAA football game against the Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan running back Tru Wilson runs against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan tight end Zach Gentry runs after a catch against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) returns a punt 60-yards for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) scores on a 56-yard reception against Nebraska in the second half Saturday.
PAUL SANCYA, The Associated Press
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) celebrates his 56-yard touchdown reception with quarterback Dylan McCaffrey (10) in the second half of an NCAA football game against the Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska cornerback Lamar Jackson (21) tackles Michigan quarterback Dylan McCaffrey (10) in the second half in September. The Huskers return all their cornerbacks from the 2018 roster.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan quarterback Dylan McCaffrey (10) runs against Nebraska in the second half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Michigan won 58-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches in the second half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Michigan won 58-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) returns a punt for a 60-yard touchdown in the second half against Nebraska on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
PAUL SANCYA, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan quarterback Brandon Peters (18) throws against Nebraska in the second half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan place kicker Quinn Nordin kicks a 38-yard field goal in the second half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches in the second half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Michigan won 56-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) outruns Nebraska defensive back Lamar Jackson (21) for a 56-yard touchdown receptionn Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Michigan won 56-10.Â
Paul Sancya, Associated Press
Nebraska Michigan Football
Former Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr watches in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Former Michigan football player and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson watches in the first half of an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh waits to take the field with the team before an NCAA football game against Nebraska in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan place kicker Quinn Nordin (3) kicks against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. plays against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
1. MICHIGAN (8-1, 6-0)
Previous: Ìý1.ÌýLast week: Â W 42-7 vs. Penn State.
In perhaps the most impressive win of the year in the Big Ten to date, the Wolverines destroyed Penn State in the Big House. Jim Harbaugh’s team is squarely in the College Football Playoff discussion. Receiver Tarik Black returned and UM put 403 yards on the Nittany Lions. The Wolverines’ defense just might be the best in the country. They have Rutgers and Indiana before The Game. The path is pretty straight.
Paul Sancya, Associated Press
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan offensive lineman Ben Bredeson plays against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan offensive lineman Ben Bredeson (74) plays against Nebraska in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Nebraska Michigan Football
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson throws against Nebraskain the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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