Poggi guides Michigan to 30-27 win at Nebraska as Moore returns for Big Ten opener

Michigan defeated Nebraska 30-27 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, extending interim head coach Biff Poggi’s two-game stint as Sherrone Moore serves a self-imposed suspension tied to the program’s sign-stealing investigation. The No. 21-ranked Wolverines improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, and Poggi will hand the reins back to Moore for the Oct. 4 home opener against Wisconsin.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola sparked a late push, connecting on a 52-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half to knot the score at 17-17 at the break, but Michigan controlled the second half. The Wolverines rolled on the ground, totaling 286 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns—their most rushing yards against Nebraska since 2022—while the defense sacked Raiola seven times and forced his first interception of the season.

Poggi credited Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale, praising the unit and joking about wrapping him in bubble wrap on the return trip. The coach said the defense played with relentless effort and never gave up, and Michigan recovered an onside kick with 1:34 remaining to seal the win.

After the game, Poggi described celebratory plans as ice cream with Häagen-Dazs coffee ice cream and a cigar, and perhaps heading to the hospital, a lighthearted nod to his brief tenure. Moore will return to the sideline for Michigan’s conference home opener against Wisconsin on Oct. 4, as the Wolverines look to sustain momentum. Michigan's record stands at 3-1 (1-0 Big Ten).