Huskers Stomp Mudhole in Golden Gophers
Nebraska had its most dominant effort of the season taking a 34-0 halftime lead on its way to a 41-14 victory at Minnesota. NU scored on each of its first half drives which included a fumble return for a touchdown by defensive back Austin Cassidy.
The Huskers benefited from some timely fumbles early. Beyond Cassidy's return, a bobbled snap by Gopher quarterback Marqueis Gray on fourth down ended Minnesota's deepest drive of the first half. A botched option relay from NU quarterback Taylor Martinez to running back Aaron Green actually resulted in a fourth down conversion on a touchdown drive because the ball bounced forward out of bounds.
The Huskers held a major statistical edge at the half tallying 330 total yards to Minnesota's 88. Much of the damage at the break came from NU wideout Kenny Bell, who managed 107 yards from scrimmage including an 82-yard touchdown on a reverse. Rex Burkhead churned out 76 first-half rushing yards and a four-yard score on his way to a 113-yard day. Brandon Kinnie nearly went the distance on a 61-yard pass. Fullback Tyler Legate even hauled in a touchdown pass. Brett Maher also chipped in a pair of field goals when NU stalled in the red zone.
In the third quarter, only a dropped third down pass by receiver Jamal Turner stopped NU's streak of offensive success. After a three and out by Minnesota and some poor footing by Kinnie and Martinez ended an NU drive, the Golden Gophers used a flea-flicker to set up their first touchdown. Nebraska answered with a 17-play touchdown drive capped off by Green to chew up most of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter featured an appearance by NU backup quarterback Brion Carnes and a garbage-time touchdown drive by Minnesota in the closing minutes. There's some question as to whether the effort by Bo Pelini's team was Blackshirt-worthy. They did hold Minnesota to 260 total yards and 13 first downs. Still, the third-down conversions and turnover margin weren't what he typically seeks.
The Huskers accomplished what they needed to. They won their sixth game of the year to become bowl eligible. They got their first road win in Big Ten play. And they dominated their opponent pretty much throughout. Next week's game against Michigan State may well decide the Legends division race. Thankfully, NU goes into that game playing pretty well.
10/22/2011
I thought Coach Beck called a really good game. It was nice to see multiple people get their hands on the ball and make plays. We might’ve found an identity today. About the only thing that went wrong was Martinez missing some of the deep throws in the 2nd half and that very strange QB sneak that became some sort of an improvised pitch. I was happy to see some of the 2nd teamers get some game reps too. All in all it was important for the guys on offense to see their teammates and the system produce plays. . .
Dennard is starting to round into form and Jean-Baptiste is going to continue to get better. This should help stabilize the defense some moving ahead. It would’ve been nice to finish with a shutout but overall a solid effort. Not a whole lot of blown assignments or mental mistakes. Despite the season’s result so far, I hope that Minnesota gives Coach Kill a chance. His team never quit and they kept trying to make plays. That’s a measure of character to be not taken lightly and that comes from having good character in the head man. . .
10/22/2011
Im usually the optimistic guy, but Minnesota is the worse team we have played all year, include UT Chatt… I have no clue how this team almost beat USC but they have very little to be happy about.. I too hope Kill gets a chance because hes a blue collar- work his way up type of guy, but they are just horrible.. I think its possible that even a few highschool teams in Neb could beat Minnesota..
10/23/2011
And this is why the call him Superman!!!
Check out 4:43 of the games highlight video:
http://www.huskers.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?catid=33107&id=807388
10/23/2011
The key thing about this game is that the Huskers looked sharp. Few penalties, good decisions on offense, the o-line looked very good, the defense played solid. I don’t know if we are good enough yet, to be able to handle Michigan St next week, but I have more confidence when I see we are capable of playing mistake-free football. Next week, we will have to play a perfect game.
San Diego, Ca.
10/23/2011
Cousins, isn’t a running threat, which should help.
Obviously a poised team, maybe Sparty doesn’t have a big emotional letdown, as much as the grind of physical attrition, by next Saturday.
Nebraska, is getting better offensively just with more experience, alone. Blazing edge speed, facing possibly more leg weary Sparty defenders.
Nebraska still looks too soft in the middle of the D, coupled with the young secondary.
Such a great test. Not insurmountable, but is the D able to make some stops?
Just enough to win by 3.
10/23/2011
The game was fun to watch but the announcers drove me crazy. Those two talked about everything but the game. Also one would have thought that the only team on the field was Minn. We receive the entire history of Minn. in minute detail. It was REALLY distracting. Wish I knew how to contact the network and share my feelings. A great deal of the time I just turned off the sound.
10/23/2011
What an amazing finish for Michigan State last nite. Myself, I was hoping Wisconsin would pull it out in triple overtime, just so Sparty would be gassed x’s three when they head to Lincoln. Looks like Bo will get another shot at a top ten team. While MSU will possibly face an emotional as well as physical let down keep in mind their best defensive player will be back with fresh legs. Not sure if we have the guns on defense to hold them to 17 points, but I think that is what it is gonna take to win this game. Minnesota did a great job at neutralizing Nebraska’s return game and we all saw how good Michigan State can put pressure on punters and place kickers. Nebraska wont need to play perfect, but will need their best game of the season…
Neb. 20
MSU 17