Five takeaways from Michigan State football's loss to Nebraska

On Saturday, Michigan State football took to the field for its second straight road game, and it was also its second straight loss, as the Spartans fell to Nebraska 38 to 27. This will inevitably go down as one of the more frustrating games of the season, as MSU held a lead in this one in the second half and felt in control, but repeated mistakes let Nebraska go up double-digits.

Below, we put together five immediate takeaways from the Spartans' second loss of the year.

1. The pass rush finally showed up

For the first time this season, Michigan State's pass rush really showed up. The Spartans sacked Dylan Raiola five times, and were generating pressure all day. Nebraska doesn't have the world's greatest offensive line, but this was still impressive from MSU.

2. The pass protection has to get better

While it was a good day for MSU's pass rush, Nebraska's pass rush also had a field day. Aidan Chiles was sacked four times and under pressure seemingly every play. The pass protection just has to be better; you can't let your star quarterback get killed like that. After going down with an injury in the first half, Chiles looked a little rattled the rest of the game, although he did manage to make some magic happen with his legs.

With Stanton Ramil out, the Spartans played Ashton Lepo at right tackle and shifted Conner Moore to left tackle. By the fourth quarter, MSU moved Moore back to right tackle and put freshman Rustin Young at left tackle, but it was too little too late.

3. Alessio Milivojevic looked good in snaps

If you're looking for another positive from this game, Alessio Milivojevic, MSU's backup quarterback, looked really solid in his two drives on the day, leading MSU to two touchdowns. After a rough start to his career, it was good to see Alessio come in and play well.

4. Special teams mistakes were the difference

This is where things get pretty painful for Michigan State. Special teams have been a strength for Michigan State this year. Against Nebraska, it was a weakness. From a muffed kick fumble to a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown, special teams was the difference on a windy day in Lincoln.

5. Aidan Chiles' legs could be a foundation for rest of season

On a very windy afternoon where he was under near-constant pressure, Aidan Chiles had a rough day through the air, only throwing for 9-for-23 and 85 yards (along with two interceptions). However, he was able to use his legs to pretty great effect when needed, scoring two touchdowns on the ground. If the pressure continues to be this heavy for Chiles, look for them to find more ways to get him moving outside the pocket and away from that pressure.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Five takeaways from Michigan State's loss to Nebraska