The Blackshirts came up big, allowing just a one-yard touchdown “drive,” as Nebraska downed Missouri, 21-7, in a hard-hitting, turnover-filled game in Lincoln.
Van Brownson took over at quarterback for the Huskers in the second half, and he led a 66-yard drive to break a 7-7 tie early in the fourth quarter. I-back Joe Orduna set up the score with a 41-yard run after Nebraska had gained possession on a dropped fair catch by Mizzou.
With four minutes left in the game, Johnny Rodgers iced the victory with a 48-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Nebraska’s offense had bogged down after marching 80 yards for a TD on its first possession of the game. Mizzou tied it up early in the second quarter after picking off a Jerry Tagge pass and returning it to the Nebraska one-yard line.
“After the first drive, we had trouble generating our offense, and I felt Van deserved a chance to move the team,” coach Bob Devaney said of the QB switch.
Missouri’s chances took a big hit late in the first quarter when star tailback Joe Moore was lost for the season with a separated shoulder. He was held to six yards on four carries after averaging more than 150 yards in the Tigers’ first four games.
