Nebraska Football: First-half highlights and impressions against Iowa

Nebraska football hung tough with Iowa in the first half Friday, but the Huskers need to be better on both sides of the ball if they want to win.

So far, Nebraska football is hanging right with the Iowa Hawkeyes, although a late touchdown in the first half put the Huskers down by double digits, yet a late field goal got NU back within striking distance at 21-13.

This game is far from over. Iowa did a great job of bleeding the clock and limiting both the plays and possessions of Nebraska football, however, the Huskers start with the ball in the second half and a touchdown will get them right back in the game.

Here is a look at some highlights as well as some thoughts on the first half.

Impressions

Iowa has some really good tight ends. I knew they were good, but man, it is hard to cover those guys.

The way Iowa is running the ball this first half has to be a concern for Nebraska. After the third Iowa touchdown that made it 21-10, the Hawkeyes had 25 rushes for 143 yards and two rushing touchdowns. You knew Iowa was going to throw the ball on the Huskers, but if Iowa can keep running it like this, the Blackshirts are going to have a hard time getting stops.

The biggest positive from the first half was the touchdown drive from Nebraska. The Huskers drove the length of the field and converted twice on third down. Overall, Adrian Martinez has looked really sharp in the opening half. He completed 14-of-19 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to start the game. He also has three runs for 16 yards.

Martinez hit Stanley Morgan Jr., for a couple first downs. Morgan also set the Nebraska school record for receiving yards. Maurice Washington also had three nice receptions for 62 yards. The field goal on the second drive was disappointing, as were the two sacks which ruined a drive that got to midfield after Iowa punted.

Following Iowa’s third successful trip to the red zone, Martinez got Nebraska into scoring range again after another nice pass to Morgan. Eventually, the Huskers attempted a field goal but missed it. Yet, an offside flag gave the Huskers another shot and it was good, making it 21-13 at the break.