Official recap
Former Nebraska assistant Warren Powers launched his head coaching career at Washington State by spoiling the Huskers' 1977 debut, 19-10, before 75,922 fans.
Nebraska completely dominated the game, but the Cougars were the beneficiaries of numerous Nebraska turnovers and capitalized upon them to pull off a major upset.
The Huskers fumbled inside the Cougar 10-yard line three times and also fumbled a punt at the NU 25 to set up Washington State's first TD.
Despite two fumbles and a missed field goal, Nebraska pulled out a 7-7 tie at halftime. A third quarter march ended in futility again when the Huskers fumbled at the WSU goal line. The Cougars drove to a 14-7 lead — both TDs on passes from Jack Thompson to Brian Kelly — and Nebraska closed the gap to 14-10 on a Billy Todd field goal.
However, the Cougars countered with a field goal, nabbed Husker quarterback Randy Garcia in the end zone for a safety, and recovered another fumble at the WSU six to clinch the upset.
Nebraska had 470 yards but only 10 points, and the result was a disappointing start for 1977, with a date with Alabama on TV the next week.
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
SERIES HISTORY
SEASON STATS | NU ROSTER
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Washington St. 19
Nebraska 10
Sept. 10, 1977
Lincoln, NEWashington State 0 7 7 5 — 19
Nebraska 0 7 0 3 — 10
Second quarter
WSU — Brian Kelly (19, pass from Jack Thompson;
Paul Watson Kick), 7:30
NEB — Rick Berns (20, run; Billy Todd Kick); 3:27
Third quarter
WSU — Kelly (20, pass from Thompson; Watson kick), 4:05
Fourth quarter
NEB — Todd (19, field goal); 11:35
WSU — Watson (35, field goal), 8:06
WSU — Safety (Randy Garcia tackled in end zone), 6:18
NU WS
First Downs ...................24 14
Rushing Net...................247 120
Passes, Comp-Att-Int .....12-21-0 18-30-0
Passing Net .................223 174
Total Offense.................470 294
LEADING NU RUSHERS: Rick Berns 153, Keith Steward 46.
LEADING NU PASSER: Tom Sorley 9-16-0 for 159 yards.
NU TOTAL OFFENSE LEADER: Tom Sorley 191 yards.
ATTENDANCE: 75,922 (Capacity No. 88)
NU OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF GAME: Rick Berns.
NU DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF GAME: Lee Kunz.
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