Michigan offense sputters again

Associated Press

LINCOLN, NEB.

Ameer Abdullah ran for 101 yards and a touchdown and Nebraska took control of the Big Ten Legends Division with a 23-9 victory over No. 20 Michigan on Saturday night.

Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson left the game late in the first half with a right elbow injury. Robinson, who spent the second half on the sideline in an overcoat, watched as freshman backup Russell Bellomy threw three interceptions.

The Huskers (6-2, 3-1) moved into a first-place tie with Michigan in the Legends but own the tiebreaker.

Michigan (5-3, 3-1) generated a season-low 188 yards during its first visit to Memorial Stadium since 1911. The Wolverines had 52 in the second half.

It was the second straight game Michigan failed to score a touchdown.

Taylor Martinez was 14 of 24 for 166 yards, with an interception for the Huskers. Bellomy was 3 of 16 for 38 yards.

Robinson has accounted for two-thirds of Michigan’s offensive production this season, and the Wolverines were lost without him.

Bellomy was off target on his first 10 passes, and two of his interceptions resulted in 10 Nebraska points. Daimion Stafford picked off his underthrown ball early in the fourth to set up Abdullah’s 12-yard touchdown run for a 23-9 lead.

Abdullah, filling in for the injured Rex Burkhead, went over 100 yards for the fourth time this season.

Brett Maher kicked field goals of 19, 51 and 31 yards, with his last one putting Nebraska up 16-6 in the third quarter.