Nebraska Grinds Iowa 20-7
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It wasn't a pretty game, but in many ways had the look of old school Big Ten football in November. It took over 29 minutes for either team to put the ball in the end zone. Thankfully, that team was wearing red.
The Hawkeyes' defense seemed to wear down as the game went along. They gave up 25 yards on the first drive, 39 on the second, 52 on the third (that ended with a 40-yard Nebraska field goal), and finally 65 hard-fought yards that led to a 6-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Martinez to Kyler Reed that effectively bled away the last six minutes of the second quarter. The Huskers took a 10-0 lead to the locker room, knowing they'd receive the opening kick of the second half.
Nebraska gave up some real estate but forced Iowa to punt on four first-half possessions before the Hawkeyes took a knee to end the first half. Rex Burkhead carried much of the load. He had 79 yards in the first half on 14 carries (he'd post another 83 and a touchdown on 24 carries in the second half to tie the team record for carries). All that despite reports that he was wearing a protective boot on his foot as recently as Monday. Marcus Coker provided 81 of the 98 yards that the Hawkeyes managed at the half. James Vandenberg completed just four of ten passes for 36 yards in the first two quarters as the Blackshirts did a good job taking away star receiver Marvin McNutt. McNutt had just two catches for 1 yard at the break.
The opening drive for each team stalled to open the second half, before the Huskers managed an 81-yard field goal drive that stalled at the three-yard line. After an Iowa fumble and another pair of punts, Nebraska put together an 82-yard touchdown drive to seal the outcome early in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes would punch in a largely symbolic score with three minutes remaining, but the day clearly belonged to the Big Red.
The Blackshirts redeemed themselves after a poor outing against Michigan, holding Iowa under 300 total yards. Now Nebraska will wait, heal, and watch to see which bowl game they'll play in and who their opponent will be. Recruiting activity will also heat up. But it will be several weeks before we see another Husker game and then several months for another. Considering how beaten up this team is, that may not be all bad. Bo Pelini's team has delivered nine victories for the fourth straight time. Certainly not the best season Nebraska ever had, but a winning one against a brutal schedule. Not a bad way to spend Black(shirt) Friday.
Kansas City, MO
11/25/2011
What a fitting end to the first season of Big Ten Conference play. That game was exciting in its tedium of the Huskers just moving forward over and over and over again.
San Diego, Ca.
11/25/2011
brn,
Nice way, for the seniors to go out. All the key walkons.
Yet another “showcase” game, for David. Along with countless other plays, all season, that play where he’s knocked down, then hustles back to strip and nab the ball, should go to all 32 League teams. Just like stoning the PSU back, twice in a row, and that takaway from the Ohio st. QB, and…
Each year, the Pelinis develop a player and you think “how are they going to replace that guy?”
In David’s case, his replacement hasn’t played (for Nebraska) this season.
I’d call this a program win, for the Huskers.
If you compare “rivals,” (which you do) then 4th year coach Pelini, solidly defeats lifetime tenured Ferentz, winding down his 13 season.
Coaching- Check.
I don’t know how many players Iowa had lost and unavailable for this game. They’ve gone through their attrition, certainly. You know how many Nebraska has. In both teams 12th game, there was no question which team had better personnel.
Players- Check.
Hopefully, the frosh I-Backs don’t get too discouraged and one, or two, decide to bail out. One thing for sure, in one of the tougher schedules in Nebraska’s great history, “Superman” took few breaks and could be even “superer” next season.
The frosh will have to improve in every way, to get more of his snaps. It was the biggest drop off, starter to backup, at any position group.
I’ve heard Arkansas, as a possible bowl opponent.
If so, that’s definitely a change of pace matchup.
Springfield, MO
11/26/2011
It wasn’t a pretty game? I call B.S.
Sitting in my son’s mancave and watching a complete game out of the Huskers was beautiful! (The 100 inch projection didn’t hurt either!) There weren’t the big plays that make blowout games more fun for those that need a lot of scoring to enjoy a game but it had the feel of a pitchers duel in baseball when your ace has a 2-0 lead. You just knew at 10-0 that we owned the game, and that only a miracle was going to change things.
I rarely disagree with your posts but, with Sexy Rexy leaping Hawkeys in a single bound, and everyone else plugging injury holes, this was a VERY pretty game to watch.
GBR!
Bob
11/26/2011
Pretty was Bell’s twist and catch the TMart way-behind-him pass. Amazing he could do that, but has such trouble catching balls thrown into his hands. He had a pretty good day though.