In the first half, when the outcome was decided, the best Nebraska could hope for in the running game was a broken play to help spring quarterback Adrian Martinez. Michigan's front seven swarmed to the ball. The Husker offensive line was overmatched, hence the minus 6 rushing yards at the break. The Wolverines' speed advantage was evident.
Martinez's first-down pass on the opening possession was tipped at the line, and then snagged by safety Josh Metellus. That was an example of bad luck for Nebraska because JD Spielman was wide open over the middle and had only green space in front of him.