LINCOLN, Neb. – Jonathan Smith felt fortunate.

With all the problems his team displayed through 30 minutes of football, Smith knew Michigan State still trailed Nebraska by only a touchdown at halftime Saturday, Oct. 4.

Despite the special-teams meltdowns. Despite the offensive stagnancy. Despite losing Aidan Chiles briefly , then watching the star quarterback return and throw two interceptions as his offensive line struggled to protect him.

The Spartans ’ defense provided pressure and kept the Cornhuskers ’ offense contained in the second quarter and into the third. Then after halftime, Chiles broke free with some dazzling freelance magic that pulled MSU in front by a score.

“We just kind of found our groove,” linebacker Jordan Hall said.

When Chiles scored his second rushing

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