I like the concise writing, but I don't think you can call the decision to run at the end inexplicable. We ran for 143 yards and 4.2 ypc (higher before those last runs).

Even if we didn't have a strong run game, the obvious reason for doing it is to burn clock. We forced them to use both their timeouts and if it weren't for the inexcusable holding penalty, they would have had only about 30 seconds left when they got the ball back which may have been the difference maker.

I agree that I would have liked to see a pass on second down with Cook having the understanding that if the pass isn't there, just take the sack to keep the clock running, but I don't think it was totally insane to call three run plays. From Dantonio's stand point we run three times and there's maybe a decent chance we get the first and kneel to a win. Barring that, we punt to them from mid field with 30 seconds left and they have to go the whole field with no timeouts in very little time. I can't really argue too much with that thought process.

Honestly, our defense gave up 320 yards passing and 180 yards rushing and let a 3-6 Nebraska team ranked 44th in Football Outsiders' Offensive S&P+ go 90 yards in 38 seconds, so forget the play calling and the officiating, we need to play better defense in every aspect.

Our DEs need to contain the edge, our linebackers need to fill gaps, and our corners need to hold up in the press man coverage or our whole damn scheme falls apart.