Nebraska Football v. Purdue // Corbey Dorsey
LINCOLN – The cold didn’t slow down Nebraska, putting up their second thirty point effort of the season in a 31-14 win over Purdue at Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.
On a “Chili and Cinnamon Roll” day at Memorial Stadium, Nebraska aimed to earn their third win in a row. The Huskers had taken down Illinois three weeks ago on a Friday night in Champaign, followed up with a win last week over Northwestern.
Overcast skies were set in Lincoln, with a kickoff temperature the coldest of the season up to this point for the Huskers at 35 degrees.
As fans were bundled up and ready to brace the cold, Nebraska had the opening kickoff but skirted disaster, as a fumble ended on a Nebraska recovery. However, after a lengthy review Purdue was deemed in possession giving the Boilermakers first and ten at the Huskers 32 yard line.
Purdue immediately went backwards despite the wonderful field position, as a tackle for loss, holding penalty, and false start dropped them to 2nd and 18. A fourth down incompletion gave the Huskers the ball back, as the Blackshirts once again answered the call.
Starting at their 33, Nebraska’s anemic offense again retreated to start a contest with a holding penalty on their first offensive play. Haarberg would be sacked on the third down attempt, and a battle of defense would commence in the opening of the Big Ten conference matchup.
Purdue would fumble the ball on a Jimari Butler punch out, as Quentin Newsome would recover for the Blackshirts.
Nebraska could not advance past midfield, giving Purdue the ball back in their own territory. After trading punts, Purdue recovered a muffed Alex Bullock punt return inside the Husker twenty. However, another review gave the Huskers their possession back at their thirteen.
Josh Fleeks converted a third down on a short crossing pass, moving close to midfield. Jaidyn Doss converted another first from a dart by Haarberg. Fleeks used a jet sweep to bring another chain-mover, as the Husker offense was finally in rhythm with the end of the first quarter – a scoreless tie in Lincoln.
Nebraska inched their was closer to the end zone as Haarberg converted a third down into a goal-to-go spot for the Huskers. On second and goal, Haarberg stuck first on a flash route to Fidone as Nebraska completed a fifteen play drive to take the early lead 7-0 with less than eleven minutes to play in the second.
Purdue moved down the field, but a deep shot was intercepted by Tommi Hill. Nebraska was back in business in their own territory, as Haarberg unloaded a deep shot to freshman Jayln Lloyd. A week ago it was Malachi Coleman (Lincoln Native), this week, Lloyd (Omaha native) for 73 yards to take a 14-0 lead in the second.
Nebraska’s defense stood tall again, forcing another punt as the Husker offense picked up a quick first down from Haarbeg’s legs. The offense wouldn’t get much further, with another punt going for a touchback.
Despite a late-hit penalty, the Blackshirts pushed back on Purdue’s last possession before the half. Back-to-back tackle for losses forced a punt by the Boilermakers.
Nebraska would run the time out to end the half, up 14-0.
The Huskers coughed up the football on their opening possession of the second half, but once again the Blackshirts rose up. After preventing a first down, a field goal block was returned for a score as Nebraska led 21-0 to start the third quarter.
The Big Red defense rose up again, getting a stop but the Huskers offense stalled and punted back to Purdue.
Nebraska’s offense continues to stall, but churned time off the clock to give their excelling defense a short break.
By the end of the third, Nebraska continued their lead 21-0.
Tristan Alvano knocked down a 55 yard field goal to extend the Huskers lead 24-0.
Purdue put up a late score, but failed their two point conversion trailing 24-6 in the fourth.
Jeff Sims replaced Haarberg late in the fourth, fumbling and giving a scooper and score to the Boilermakers late. A two point conversion cut the Husker lead 24-14.
The Huskers recovered the onside kick, then churned out rushing yards and chewed time to punch in another score. Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson toted the rock for a touchdown run going up 31-14 in the final period.
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill earned his second pick, taking down Hudson Card’s second interception essentially ending the game.
The Huskers improved to 5-3 on the year, winning 31-14 on their home turf. Nebraska heads to Michigan State next week for an 11 AM kickoff.
A full photo gallery is available at KGFW and Central Nebraska Today.
