Michigan looked to have its game versus Nebraska well in hand as the third quarter neared its end. However, a cleverly designed triple-option play in which quarterback Taylor Martinez handed off to tailback Rex Burkhead, who then pitched the ball to a trailing Ameer Abdullah, resulted in a touchdown that drew the Cornhuskers to a two-touchdown deficit.
The Wolverines lead the Cornhuskers 31-17 after three quarters of play in Ann Arbor.
Michigan scored two touchdowns in the third quarter. After Nebraska fumbled the second-half opening kickoff, the Wolverines ran off an eight-play drive completed by a one-yard scoring run by Denard Robinson to extend the lead to 24-10.
The Wolverines’ special teams made another big play on the following possession by Nebraska, blocking a punt by Brett Maher and recovering the ball at the 50-yard line. Five plays later, Michigan moved the ball to the Nebraska 6-yard line.
It looked like Michigan would have to settle for a field goal after failing to covert a 3rd-and-1. But the Wolverines called a fake field goal and Drew Dileo ran for five yards and a first down. On the next play, Robinson rushed for a one-yard touchdown and a 31-10 lead.
But Nebraska’s score just before the end of the quarter kept them in the game, but a two-touchdown lead looks pretty strong for Michigan as the fourth quarter begins. The Wolverines have the ball as the final 15 minutes begin.