Run defense was sure to get extra scrutiny from the Nebraska staff after Colorado gashed the Blackshirts for 297 rushing yards in Boulder.
Nebraska lost its league lead in rushing defense and total defense, but the Huskers remained atop the charts in total offense, scoring offense and scoring defense. Their 34.5-point scoring average on offense was eighth in the nation.
The tandem of Jeff Kinney and Joe Orduna at I-back had now accounted for over 1,000 yards rushing, and the Jerry Tagge-Van Brownson combo at quarterback was now above the 1,400-yard mark in passing.
With Iowa State next on the schedule, Nebraska was facing its second conference road game in a row. The Cyclones were 3-4 overall and 0-4 in the conference after blowing a 21-0 lead against Oklahoma and losing by 29-28.