Nebraska survives defensive meltdown in win over Southern Miss
The Nebraska Cornhuskers outlasted the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in another thrilling finish on Saturday afternoon. Finally, Nebraska survives a last second defensive stand. The Huskers 36-28 victory over the Golden Eagles seemed to be an easy victory time early on. However, a 28 point second half by quarterback Nick Mullens wasn’t stopped until Freedom Akinmoladun earned his second sack of the day. Seconds later, time expired, and the Huskers evened their record at (2-2).
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Once again, the Husker’ defense was bombarded by a relentless passing attack. Mullens finished the game 26/41 for 446 yards and two touchdowns. However, not even Southern Miss could predict the kind of second half performance, after the Golden Eagles were blanked in the first 30 minutes. As we’ve seen with these Huskers. it was a tale of two halves.
The Cornhuskers took a 22-0 halftime lead over Southern Mississippi. After scoring on an 8-play 71-yard scoring drive to open the game, the Huskers relied on the leg of Drew Brown.
Brown made five straight field goals for the Huskers, giving Nebraska a three touchdown lead. His final one was a career long 50-yard strike to end the first half. Unfortunately, the other four makes ended promising drives for Nebraska’s offense.
Tommy Armstrong started the first half, completing 13/17 passes for 213 yards, and one touchdown. He finished the game 23/35 for 368 yards. Armstrong also added a pair of touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown. The lone passing touchdown of the first half fell into the arms of Jordan Westerkamp. The junior receiver had seven receptions for 72 yards in the first half. However, Westerkamp wasn’t the only player making his mark in the offense.
Andy Janovich finally showcased his talents from the fullback position on Saturday. Janovich had two first half touches for 78 yards. During his first carry of the season, Janovich rumbled through the middle of the Southern Miss defense for a 25 yard run. Moments later, he took a short pass from Armstrong, and turned it into a 53 yard play.
Early on, the “Blackshirts” came to play for the Huskers. Freedom Akinmoladun earned his third sack of the season. Quarterback Nick Mullens was under pressure through the first two quarters, and Southern Miss. had trouble getting any consistency on the offensive end. The Huskers let D.J. Thompson loose for a 50-yard catch, but a touchdown saving tackle by Joshua Kalu kept the the Golden Eagles scoreless. They were also helped by a missed field goal.