If you are a fan of offense like I am, then besides the final score, the 2014 Holiday Bowl did not disappoint. Of all the bowl games so far, I would have to say it was the most exciting. (Maybe the Bahamas Bowl with Central Michigan v Western Kentucky was just as exciting) That game ended with a bonehead coaching call, perhaps Nebraska’s game did too.
The first quarter excitement was 27 points scored, 17 for the Huskers and 10 for USC. The Huskers led in all stat categories and Armstrong even had a better completion percentage than USC’s QB, Cody Kessler. Unfortunately the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter would not be as kind as USC would score 21 unanswered points before Ameer Adbullah would finally score on a 20-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) carries the ball as USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) defends during the first quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Huskers offense reappeared in the third quarter after a dismal and scoreless second quarter ading 17 points. The problem was, USC decided to score 21 points. Going into the fourth quarter, the Huskers trailed USC 34-45. Down 11 points, the Husker defense decided to start playing and held the Trojans to 3, three and outs. Husker offense took advantage and on their second drive of the fourth quarter, Tommy Armstrong led a 9-play, 77 yard scoring drive capped off with a 15-yard touchdown run by Tommy Armstrong. A two-point conversion pass to Kenny Bell brought the Huskers within a field goal with only 6:52 left in the game.
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers receiver Kenny Bell (80) is defended by Southern California Trojans cornerback Josh Shaw (6) on an incomplete pass during the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Huskers got the ball back with 5:19 left in the game and drove the ball down to the USC 31 yard line. The Huskers appeared to be a team on a mission, to either win or tie the game as they marched down the field from the Husker’s 23-yard line, but on the final four downs of the Husker drive, everything seemed to fall apart. On first down from the USC 38, Armstrong mishandled the snap and ended up running to the left and was quickly tackled for only a two-yard gain. On the next play, Ameer Abdullah had a five-yard run to the 31-yard line. Had the right side of the offensive line blocked just a little better, Abdullah may not have had to shift and run into the middle where he was sandwiched after a 5-yard gain.
This left three yards to go for a first down and Cotton sent in a play with a quick short pass over the middle in traffic, but USC defended the pass beautifully, knocking it down before Pierson-El could make the catch. It was now decision time, a field goal would tie the game, but it would be a 48-yard field goal. Drew Brown’s longest successful field goal was a 44 yards, but during warm-ups he was hitting field goals over 50 yards. The decision was made quickly and the Huskers decided to go for it on fourth down. Armstrong took the snap and flipped the ball to Pierson-El with an end around sweep, but the USC safety, who broke up the last pass play rushed in untouched, knocking our #15 down after only a one yard gain. I have to ask, would you have gone for the 1st down or kicked the field goal?
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
Huskers would get the ball back with 19 seconds left in the game on the Nebraska 32 yard line. They drove the ball down to the Husker 44 with one second left on the clock after a review from the booth. Would another hail-Mary be in the cards for the Huskers? Armstrong launched the ball towards the endzone but came up short as the USC defender knocked the ball down at the 10 yard line. Of note, Brandon Reilly was being held by the USC defenders but no flag was thrown; game over.
It was an exciting and heartbreaking loss, but I think Husker fans couldn’t be prouder of the way this team battled and played against all the adversity they’ve faced. Hats off to Barney Cotton for calling a pretty good game. Makes me wonder what the score would have been had Bo called the game? I dread the thought.
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver De
Husker football has now come to an end. Just like the New Year, we are out with the old and in with the new. This is now Coach Riley’s team and we await more news on who the Offensive Coordinator will be and which offensive style the Huskers will be running. The excitement and anticipation is not over folks, not by a long shot. Go Big Red!