Solich’s long kickoff return sparks Huskers
Pepped by an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown sprint by fullback Frank Solich, the Nebraska Cornhuskers clinched a share of the Big eight title by thumping Oklahoma State, 27-14, before a record crowd of 49,013 – largest crowd ever to witness any event in the state of Nebraska.
It was the Huskers’ ninth straight win of the season and their 16th in succession. After forcing a punt early in the first quarter, the Scarlets marched 92 yards to score in 19 plays. Then, the Cowboys took the kickoff and punched out a 12-play, 67-yard drive to knot it at 7-7.
Solich quickly changed the complexion of the game by roaring straight up the middle – aided by fine blocking, including two wipe-outs by Kent McCloughan – on the kickoff to post an 89-yard TD. Nebraska never trailed again, and a 34-yard TD pass from Bob Churchich to Harry Wilson gave the Huskers a 21-7 halftime bulge.
Recap source: 1965 NU media guide
The Huskers’ Kent McCloughan is stopped just short of the goal line by OSU’s Ron Alexander during the first quarter. McCloughan scored on the next play. · The Lincoln Star · Newspapers.com
NU: Harry Wilson 34 pass from Bob Churchich (Tony Jeter pass from Churchich) 2:36 Third Quarter OS: Walt Garrison 1 run (Durkee kick) 0:51 Fourth Quarter NU: McCloughan 4 run (pass failed) 0:05 OS NU First downs ............ 11 20 By rushing ............ 9 15 By passing ............ 1 4 By penalty ............ 1 1 Rushing net ........ 44-154 62-267 Passing net ............ 25 86 Comp-Att-Int ..... 3-10-1 6-8-1 Total offense ...... 54-179 70-353 Punts-average ........ 4-35 3-34 Fumbles-lost .......... 0-0 2-2 Penalized-yards ...... 3-12 5-63 RUSHING OS: Garrison 26-112, Baxter 9-22, Williams 7-18, Elliott 1-2, Alexander 1-0. NU: Hohn 17-85, Solich 11-69, McCloughan 16-52, Churchich 7-29, Wilson 7-26, Kirkland 4-6. PASSING OS: Baxter 3-10-1 25. NU: Churchich 6-8-1 86. RECEIVING OS: Garrison 1-15, Williams 1-7, Hollis 1-3. NU: Wilson 1-34, Jeter 3-27, McCloughan 2-25. More individual stats Attendance: 49,013
