SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Bo Pelini got Nebraska to play like the "Blackshirts" of old.
The 21st-ranked Conhuskers shut down Michigan State's high-powered offense and used two short second-quarter touchdown runs by Cory Ross to defeat the Spartans, 17-3, in the Alamo Bowl.
Ross rushed for a career-high 138 yards on 37 carries for Nebraska (10-3), which was playing in its NCAA-record 35th consecutive bowl game.
Named interim coach when Frank Solich was fired at the end of the regular season, Pelini is not considered a serious candidate for the job. But as the Cornhuskers' defensive coordinator, he devised a game plan that stifled Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker.
"Our big key was to pressure Smoker with a four-man rush," Pelini explained. "That allowed us to play back in coverage and tackle well. We pressured more than I would have thought."
After the teams traded field goals in the first quarter, Ross scored on runs of two and six yards, giving Nebraska a 17-3 halftime lead.
"We pounded the ball on the ground," Ross said. "Our offensive line created holes."
Jamaal Lord rushed for 79 yards on 10 attempts for the Cornhuskers, including a career-long 66-yard scamper that set up Ross' second score. Afterwards, he expressed support for Solich.
"This 10-3 season was coach Solich all the way," Lord said. "I didn't care about my passing, 17-3 is all that matters."
The fiery Pelini gave Michigan State (8-5) an opening when he was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with the Spartans facing 4th-and inches in the fourth quarter. Pelini was upset the officials did not give the ball to Nebraska after Smoker fumbled a snap.
The penalty gave Michigan State a first down at the Nebraska 34 with more than seven minutes left. But two plays later, cornerback Pat Ricketts sealed the win with the Cornhuskers' school-record 31st interception, which also is tops in Division I-A.
Nebraska recorded three interceptions and five sacks while holding Michigan State to 18 rushing yards and 174 total, more than 200 below its average.
"They're an awful good football team," Spartans coach John L. Smith said. "They're very big, strong and athletic. ... We were an inch away on some of the big plays that could have made this a great night for us."
Smoker completed 21-of-39 passes for 156 yards. His final pass for the Spartans was intercepted by cornerback Fabian Washington with 1:08 remaining.
"Jeff has done a lot for us this year. Without him, it would have been a long year," Smith said. "He gave us an opportunity to win."
Safety Josh Bullocks' interception gave Nebraska a first down at the Spartans 36 early in the second quarter and led to Ross' first TD.
