World-Herald staff writer Mitch Sherman takes an in-depth look at the NU offense during the Huskers' 31-30 win over Iowa State.
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NU STAR
Call him the wild card or the Wildcat, Nebraska's Rex factor made the difference. Sophomore I-back Rex Burkhead produced his best game as a Husker, rushing for 129 yards and two scores and operating at quarterback regularly. Burkhead was at his best on the Huskers' first and last scoring drives — the final march in overtime as he covered the entire 25 yards in two plays.
HIGHLIGHT
With the wind at his back, quarterback Cody Green could have gained a few yards and deferred to Alex Henery. But on third and 12 from the Iowa State 33-yard line in the third quarter, Green stepped up and hit tight end Kyler Reed for a 29-yard gain to the 4. Green found Reed isolated in coverage on the middle linebacker. The throw set up a Burkhead touchdown to give Nebraska a 24-10 lead.
BUSTED PLAY
It was disarray on third and 5 from the ISU 9-yard line early in the third quarter as Nebraska was forced to call a timeout. The mess ensued after backup receivers Curenski Gilleylen and Khiry Cooper joined the play, which also included Burkhead and Roy Helu. After the timeout, Burkhead took his spot in the Wildcat and gained 1 yard, leading to a Henery field goal.
OUR TAKE
NU appeared disorganized at times and efficient at other moments — kind of what you'd expect with the No. 3 QB in charge and a makeshift game plan that included lots of Wildcat after NU hadn't shown it all season. The Huskers gained just 314 yards and scored just 17 offensive points in regulation. Considering the circumstances, though, a win looks good.
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