World-Herald staff writer Dirk Chatelain breaks down the specifics from the Nebraska Cornhuskers' 31-17 win over the Missouri Tigers.
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NOTICED
Rex Burkhead charging forward to catch a short punt in the first quarter at the 27-yard line. The play was notable for two reasons. Burkhead was back to receive, not Niles Paul. And the ball never hit the ground. Paul has sometimes resisted catching punts like that one, and they’ve been known to bounce another 20 yards.
PECULIAR PLAY
How many times do you see two illegal blocks on a basic running play? That’s what happened in the second quarter when officials flagged Ricky Henry for a chop block and Kyler Reed for an illegal block.
QUESTIONABLE CALL I
Cameron Meredith’s first-quarter sack on Blaine Gabbert drew a personal foul for targeting a quarterback above the shoulder pads. It’s one thing to throw flags when a tackler makes contact in the open field. But these calls get questionable when they happen in a cluster of players, as this one did.
QUESTIONABLE CALL II
Gabbert got flagged in the third quarter for intentional grounding when, under duress, he whipped the ball at a nearby receiver’s feet. How is that grounding? Referee Randy Christal didn’t shut off his microphone after the signal. He told Gabbert, “The ball has to be somewhat catchable.”
QUESTIONABLE CALL III
Courtney Osborne’s crushing blow on Gabbert in the fourth quarter caused Gabbert to fumble — at least it looked that way. But instead of the Huskers picking up the ball and racing for a touchdown, the referee called forward progress. A review didn’t change officials’ minds. Needless to say, Bo and Carl Pelini weren’t pleased.
RAVE REVIEW
Ciante Evans’ play at cornerback after Alfonzo Dennard got a concussion was excellent, especially considering he’s a true freshman.
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• Video: Highlights from the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Bo Pelini after the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Roy Helu after the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Jared Crick after the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Ricky Henry after the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Prince Amukamara after the NU-Missouri game:
• Video: Missouri-Nebraska postgame analysis:
• Video: Sights and sounds from the Missouri-Nebraska game:
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