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Nebraska Vs Fresno State Second Quarter Recap

By Oliver Vandervoort

Oct 17, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) hands off the ball to Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Devine Ozigbo (22) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) hands off the ball to Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Devine Ozigbo (22) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nebraska went away from the run game on one series, and it caused some trouble.

To be fair, the Huskers ran a jet sweep to Pierson-El that should have gone for a big gain, there was lots of green in front of him, but he fumbled. Then Tommy put up a nice long pass that Alonzo Moore that he dropped. Then we ran a screen pass that was just plain ugly.

And then, the Huskers had their second punt attempt of the season blocked. That led to a short field for the Bulldogs and they managed to score on a touchdown pass to Aaron Peck. On the ensuing drive, Tre Bryan got his first touch as a kick returner and made good, taking it 34 yards.

Nebraska looked like it was going to start another long drive as they got to 3rd and 2 and hit Cethan Carter on a nice short pass, unfortunately, the Huskers were also called for illegal formation.

On 3rd and 7, Tommy Armstrong did what you just hate to see. Instead of throwing to an open man underneath, he decided to chuck it deep, into double coverage, to Jordan Westerkamp. There was no real chance to complete it, but there was a chance it could be intercepted and it almost was.

The real turning point in the second quarter was on the ensuing drive by Fresno State. On 3rd and 13, the Huskers seemingly forced a punt when Chason Virgil had to throw the ball out of bounds but Luke Gifford hit the quarterback late, and was called for targeting to boot.

After reviewing the play, the refs confirmed it was targeting and Gifford was ejected. More importantly, Fresno State got to extend their drive. Backup quarterback Zach Cline, who played for the California Golden Bears last year came in because Virgil was injured on the play and promptly led the Bulldogs down the field to score a field goal.

The Huskers still have the lead, but the tone of the game has gone from one of total domination to one we felt all too many times last year. The Huskers are the better team, but they’ve made so many mistakes, their overmatched opponent is allowed to hang around.

Next: Nebraska Vs Fresno State First Quarter Recap

Now, at least for a while, we have to chew our fingernails, as we realize Fresno will get the ball to start the second half.

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