Michigan’s Lewan Dodges Suspension, Nebraska Looks to Avoid A Loss in The Big House

On Friday, Michigan (6-2, 2-2) offensive lineman Taylor Lewan learned he won’t face disciplinary action from the conference after twisting a #17 Michigan State player’s face mask, safety Isaiah Lewis, in last week’s rivalry game, reported ESPN.

Michigan State (8-1, 5-0) won 29-6.

Taylor Lewan

During the week, the Big Ten reviewed Lewan’s action, which had been caught on TV, and determined that a  “sportslike conduct” violaton did not occur. On Monday Lewan apologized for the incident and said via NBC Sports.com, “It’s tough at times, definitely when you’re in a huge rivalry game like Michigan-Michigan State. A couple of those face-mask deals were on accident. … A couple of those were very blatant and I apologize for that.

“There are different ways to go about it, but I lost my composure for a second. That’s not OK to do. That’s not representing the University of Michigan the way it should be. That’s not taking pride in the rivalry that we have with Michigan State.”

In addition, Lewan said he attempted to find Lewis after the game ended to apologize but was unable to do so. He was able to connect with Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio on Tuesday, who accepted his apology.

Michigan did not suspend Lewan, who is now expected to start in Saturday’s game against Nebraska (6-2, 3-1). According to ESPN’s Jason Whitlock, last Saturday’s play has been representative of Lewan’s style all season. This has included “cheap shots and bullying” as he didn’t prepare to have a “dominant senior season.”

Now after last week’s disappointing loss, Michigan will try to regroup this week as it hosts Nebraska. Both teams need a win and CBS Sports posed the question on Friday as to who’s more desperate in this matchup?

For Nebraska, last week’s 27-24 win over Northwestern (4-5, 0-5) came on the game’s last play with a touchdown as the clock expired. The Cornhuskers will need better play this week in the Big House.

Bo Pelini

If you do the math, both teams remain in the race for the Big Ten Legends division but after this week, Nebraska will then play Michigan State. But first they’ll have to play a wounded Michigan who will need to put behind last week’s bitter lose and the distraction by Lewan this week.

For the Wolverines, they still have four games left on their remaining schedule and could win three of four (sorry Wolverine Nation, a win against Ohio State could be tough).

Fortunately this week, Michigan will face a less challenging defense and they may be able to get its running game going against the Cornhuskers who allow 182 yards rushing per game (4.5 yards per carry).

History will be on Michigan’s side as they have a 4-3-1 record over Nebraska and when playing at home, it rises to a 3-1 advantage. In addition, Michigan coach Brady Hoke has an unblemished record at home, 19-0.

With a loss for either team, look for disgruntled fan bases but there’s enough time for either team to salvage their seasons. But the clock is ticking and Michigan will get back on track this week with a win (-6.5, 57.5 o/u).

In other Big Ten action on Saturday, the Fighting Illini (3-5, 0-4) will look to snap their 18-game Big Ten losing streak on Saturday by traveling to play Indiana (3-5, 1-3). The last time Illinois won a conference game came on Oct. 8, 2011. Against Indiana. In Bloomington.

This could be their greatest chance to get a win as they have Purdue, Ohio State and Northwestern left on their schedule. This season the Hoosiers are giving up a conference-worst 42.8 points and 551.8 yards each game.

In their last meeting, Illinois won 41-20 but in this game, Indiana will get the win (-9, 78 o/u).