NOTICED

Empty seats. In the first half, there were a couple of hundred in the student section. Apparently, the Huskers' struggles last week turned off some of their peers. The empty seats in the final few minutes were more noticeable —- all over the stadium. When Nebraska got the ball back with 1:53 left, you could see dozens of empty spots in each section. Look on the bright side: Fewer voices to boo the offense.

WHAT WAS THAT?

Nebraska has had its share of special-teams problems this year. But it hasn't allowed a punter to run untouched for 20 yards and a first down. That's what happened in the second quarter, when the Cyclones faked a punt on fourth down. A total breakdown on NU's punt-return squad. Iowa State scored on the next play on a 47-yard touchdown strike.

PECULIAR PLAY

Zac Lee's third-and-4 pass in the second quarter was intercepted by David Sims. But it wasn't that simple. All told, six players — three Huskers and three Cyclones — touched the ball. Linebacker Jesse Smith tipped the throw intended for Mike McNeill. The tight end then appeared to corral it until Cyclone safety James Smith pried it away. Roy Helu looked to have the ball for a moment, before Sims tore it out of Helu's hands for the interception.

PECULIAR PLAY II

Nebraska's bad luck continues. Zac Lee finally throws deep. Niles Paul beats his defender, reels in the pass, tight-ropes the sideline, then — inexplicably — fumbles on his way to the end zone. He tried to gather it near the 5-yard line but lost control, and James Smith recovered for a touchback.

RAVE REVIEW

On Dontrayevous Robinson's first-quarter touchdown, the big boys on the line pushed the defense into the end zone. Special praise for backup center Mike Caputo. The offensive line didn't play perfectly, but it clearly improved from the Texas Tech nightmare. — Dirk Chatelain