LINCOLN — Nebraska talked about challenging its offensive line last week, and for the most part it produced against Iowa State.

The Huskers ran for 114 yards and 4.1 per carry in the 9-7 loss, compared to 87.5 and 2.8 in their first two Big 12 games. Also, the line did not commit a penalty and ISU was credited with one sack and no quarterback hurries.

“Our guys invested this week and had as good a week of preparation as we've had since we've been here,'' NU assistant Barney Cotton said. “We asked them to be more physical and work harder and faster this week, and they did that for us.''

It didn't translate into points, but that was the result of the Huskers' eight turnovers. The line also had to substitute Mike Caputo for senior Jacob Hickman (ankle) at center after just two series.

“They did a nice job,'' NU offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. “We had a good attitude run game and the guys did a good job knocking them off the ball. They can't do anything about the turnovers.''

The avoidance of penalties might have been the biggest improvement. The line had been responsible for 16 infractions in the previous four games, including nine false starts.

NU tied for 10th in Big 12 in turnover margin

Nebraska experienced one heck of a swing in turnover margin with its five fumbles and three interceptions, going from plus-three to minus-five for the season.

The Huskers went into Saturday tied for fourth in the Big 12 and came out tied for 10th.

By contrast, Iowa State went from plus-one (tied for seventh) to plus-nine (tied for first). The Cyclones also rank second nationally in turnovers gained with 24 (behind Ohio University with 26).

ISU won time of possession battle

Erratic offensive execution continues to lead Nebraska in the opposite direction of a year ago when it ranked second nationally in time of possession.

Iowa State held the football for 33:40 on Saturday, more than a seven-minute edge on the Huskers. The Cyclones ran only two more plays, but used 48 of their 67 snaps to rush the football.

Nebraska has posted the better time of possession just twice in seven games — vs. Texas Tech (30:04) and Arkansas State (31:38).

Suh credits teammates for blocked kicks

Ndamukong Suh blocked two kicks Saturday, but he said the two linemen beside him deserve just as much praise.

Suh blocked Iowa State's only extra-point attempt in the second quarter. He also got his hands on a 49-yard field-goal try early in the fourth quarter. Redshirt freshman Sean Fisher returned that block 34 yards to the ISU 35-yard line.

Together, Suh said, he, Jared Crick and Barry Turner work to create a rush up the middle on field-goal attempts. So when good things happen, they're all responsible, Suh said.

“It's really due to all three of us,” Suh said. “We all push together, work as a unit to get those blocks.”

Kinnie says he's ‘getting a hang of it'

Wide receiver Brandon Kinnie had been making the necessary improvements in practice, but he needed something good to happen in a game situation.

The sophomore, who spent his first year of collegiate eligibility at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College, had a couple of memorable dropped passes to start the Big 12 season.

He came through early against Iowa State on Saturday.

Kinnie caught Zac Lee's first two pass attempts — one for 5 yards and the other for 9. He finished the day with three receptions for 27 yards, enough to provide him with a good feeling about how he fits in the NU offense.

“I've been working hard all year since I've been here to learn the playbook and get a grasp of it,” Kinnie said. “I'm finally getting a hang of it. I'm getting a swagger about myself.”

— Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa