Nebraska Downs San Jose State - 35 to 12
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September 6, 2008 by
Nebraska needed touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams to defeat San Jose State in Lincoln, 35-12. Niles Paul's 85-yard kick off return for a touchdown sparked the Cornhuskers in a game that was very tightly contested for three quarters.
San Jose State out gained Nebraska 353 to 315 on the afternoon, but special teams proved to be the difference. While San Jose State was missing extra points and field goals early in the game, the Cornhuskers got a clutch touchdown on a kickoff on a return from Paul at a time when the NU was leading just 14-12, early in the fourth quarter.
San Jose State struck first in the game, going up 6-0 nothing following a 12 yard scamper by quarterback Kyle Reed that capped a 59-yard drive. The Spartans missed the point after try. Nebraska would answer with a 86 yard drive that ended with a Quentin Castille touchdown run. NU would take the lead when defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh made an interception from a tipped Reed pass and lumbered 49 yards for a score.
San Jose State controlled play in the second quarter as NU hamstrung itself with penalties and missed opportunities. The Spartans would only have a field goal to show for their efforts, and NU went in to the locker room leading 14-9.
In a more evenly played third quarter, both teams went scoreless. Nebraska had a promising drive end when Castille fumbled an option pitch from quarterback Joe Ganz.
In the fourth quarters, NU seized control after Niles provided the spark with his special teams touchdown. Roy Helu and Marlon Lucky put the finishing touches on 35 and 74 yard scoring drives for the Huskers to put the game out of reach.
San Jose State was stymied by an injury to Reed. Without him under center, the Spartans were unable to move the ball as effectively late in the game.
Statistical Leaders
For San Jose State, Reed led the way before he was injured. He threw for 161 yards and rushed for 32 in a game where he outplayed his counterpart for NU at times. Kevin Jurovich was his favorite target, catching 84 yards worth of receptions. The Spartans would total 137 yards rushing on the day, powered by Yonus Davis going for 58 on just 7 carries out of the spread formation. Reed added 51 yards and a touchdown rushing from the quarterback spot.
For Nebraska, Joe Ganz threw for 216 yards. Sixty of those yards came on seven connections with go-to receiver Nate Swift. The Huskers rushed for just 99 yards on 30 carries. But Roy Helu provided consistent play in the second half, gaining 59 yards on nine carries.
The Spartans move to 1-1 on the year, and play San Diego State at home next week. For 2-0 Nebraska, they face New Mexico State next week in Lincoln.
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DENLY Sep 06 08
A win is a win! There were alot of other teams with close calls.
Bill in Iowa Sep 07 08
I like your optimism. I hope we learn from our mistakes and make sure this type of offensive performance does not happen again. On a positive note, I thought the defense and special teams played very physical. Now, we just have to light a fire under those offensive linemen.
Ron D in Lincoln Sep 07 08
I think the Huskers will have games like this throughout the year. Some growing pains, but still they will learn from them and continue to improve. Yes, there were mistakes on both sides of the ball, but it is how they recovered from them and regained their moxie that shows signs of the new coaching staff's effect on the team. Game one over all grade would have been a B +, Game two over all grade, B-.
I think the offense had more problems at times than the defense did. Yes they gave up yards but only 12 points.
I don't know if Watson is saving some stuff for VA Tech and Missouri or what the deal is. Just haven't seen the whole package yet in my opinion. And that plus 50 cents won't get ya a cup of coffee.
Have a Husker day!
Ron