Burkhead scores 3 TDs as Nebraska routs Michigan State

Published November 20, 2014

Rex Burkhead's first touchdown in the third quarter came after he appeared to fumble, and the second occurred only a few plays after he hobbled off the field, favoring his left leg.

Convention had little to do with either of Burkhead's scores in the third quarter, but they provided breathing room as No. 13 Nebraska shut down ninth- ranked Michigan State, 24-3, at Memorial Stadium.

Burkhead scored three times -- twice on the ground -- and ran for 119 yards for the Cornhuskers (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten), who have won their last three games.

While Burkhead's touchdowns provided the points, Nebraska's defense played a big part in turning the game into a rout. It limited Michigan State to 187 yards and forced Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins into his worst passing game of the season.

Cousins completed just 11-of-27 throws for a season-low 86 yards, didn't have a touchdown, and was intercepted once.

Michigan State (6-2, 3-1) was coming off last week's thrilling victory against then-No. 4 Wisconsin, when Keith Nichol caught a fortunate bounce on a Hail Mary attempt to score with no time left, lifting his team to a 37-31 victory.

But thanks to Burkhead, the Spartans never got a chance to shock Nebraska on Saturday.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/burkhead-scores-3-tds-as-nebraska-routs-michigan-state