Nebraska Cornhuskers: Offense comes alive in 48-25 win
Mike Riley and the Nebraska Cornhuskers struggled in the first two games of the Big Ten schedule, but they found some rhythm early in Saturday’s 48-25 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The victory pushed the Nebraska Cornhuskers to (3-4, 1-2). The loss knocked the Gophers to (4-3, 1-2).
After giving up a touchdown on the opening drive, the Huskers sent the offense on the field. Three plays later, Terrell Newby sped through a wide open hole on the right side, and scored on 69 yard touchdown run. It was the longest run of Newby’s career, and Nebraska’s longest play of the season.
The run was the beginning of a brilliant offensive performance from the Huskers. After getting a short field on a De’Mornay Pierson-El punt return, the Huskers missed a field goal, but they turned a forced fumble into a touchdown moments later.
On third and 13, Armstrong rolled right to connect with Alonzo Moore on a 32 yard touchdown pass. It wasn’t the first time the two have connected, but it was a beautiful sight to see the offense score 14 points in the first quarter.
Instead of going into the tank, the Nebraska offense kept their terrific play up in the second quarter. The highlight of the quarter was Nebraska’s ball control. First, the Huskers had a 16 yard drive that culminated in a made field goal. To end the first half, had another 8-play touchdown drive. Terrell Newby scored from nine yards out, giving him his second score of the day.
In the third quarter, Tommy Armstrong led a 10-play 99 yard touchdown drive, hitting Cethan Carter for a 10 yard touchdown pass. Initially, Carter was ruled out at the one but his out stretched arm hit the pylon. It was Carter’s first touchdown of the season.
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Nebraska’s final offensive touchdown of the night came courtesy of De’Mornay Pierson-El. Armstrong and Pierson-El connected for a 14 yard touchdown pass early in the fourth period. Pierson-El tipped the ball to himself in tight coverage, showing all the skills the Huskers were expecting to see from the start of the season. Finally, Pierson-El is starting to look healthy. His presence was a factor this weekend. However, he wasn’t the lone receiver to make plays.
Alonzo Moore caught four passes for 84 yards, including the one first quarter touchdown. His 21 yards per catch led the Huskers on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jordan Westerkamp led the Huskers with six receptions for 76 yards. Although Westerkamp didn’t score a touchdown, he clearly had his best game since Big Ten play started. Brandon Reilly also made an appearance with two catches for 40 yards.
Tommy Armstrong
Overall, Armstrong completed 18/26 passes for 269 yards, and three touchdowns. It was by far his best performance of the month. After completing 35 percent of his throws in the first two games, Armstrong connected on 69 percent this weekend. In addition to the wide receivers making plays, the offensive play calling suited the Huskers perfectly.
The running game was tremendous for Nebraska. They gained 203 yards. More importantly, the Huskers had 39 carries on the day. If you missed it, the Nebraska Cornhuskers ran the ball 13 more times than they threw it. With the big plays coming early, the ground game made all of the difference.
Newby led the way with 13 carries for 1116 yards and two touchdowns. Armstrong gained 38 rushing yards, while Andy Janovich ran for 27 yards on seven carries.
The Huskers had a thorough offensive effort, and they need to build on it next week. They face the Northwestern Wildcats.