NOTICED

After Texas Tech's first drive, Phillip Dillard replaced Will Compton at linebacker in the dime package. Why? Probably had something to do with Steven Sheffield's first touchdown, a pass to running back Baron Batch. On the 16-yard score, Compton appeared to be responsible for Batch.

WHAT WAS THAT

Officials got off to a rough start. On Tech's first possession, after the Husker defensive line pressured Sheffield, the quarterback desperately flung a pass to the Tech sideline. Officials convened and decided to call intentional grounding. Then they convened again and decided Tech had a receiver in the area of the throw. The Red Raiders punted two plays later.

PECULIAR PLAY

When Niles Paul fumbled a second-quarter swing pass, Zac Lee was the only Husker who chased Red Raider Daniel Howard, who picked up the backward pass and sprinted to the end zone. Was it a lateral? And what was that flag in the middle of the field? The referee compounded the confusion when he called tripping on Nebraska but pointed at Texas Tech. He corrected himself, crediting Tech with the touchdown. Replays confirmed that Lee's pass was a lateral.

RAVE REVIEW

Dillard covered a lot of ground at linebacker, recording 12 tackles. Defensive ends Barry Turner and Pierre Allen and defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick pressured the quarterback consistently. Beyond that, there isn't much competition for praise.

— Dirk Chatelain