Huskers subdue Buffaloes with big first half
Faced with their first big challenge of the season, the No. 1 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers ripped Colorado, 31-7, before 67,766 rain-soaked fans and a national television audience of millions.
It was Nebraska’s 27th game without a defeat and the Huskers’ 18th consecutive victory, and it rushed NU’s Big 8 record to 4-0.
Nebraska, paced by the running of Jeff Kinney, the passing of Jerry Tagge, the kicking of Rich Sanger and its usual rock-ribbed defense, put the Buffs away with a 24-point first half.
So tough was the Husker defense that Colorado managed only 108 yards rushing, 52 yards passing and one broken-play touchdown.
Kinney got the Huskers rolling in the first quarter after John Adkins recovered a fumble at the CU 16. Kinney carried twice, the second time for a 11-yard TD.
Dave Mason’s interception set the stage for a 65-yard TD drive, with Tagge hitting Maury Damkroger with a five-yard scoring pass and a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. After CU pulled up 14-7, Tagge drove the Huskers 75 yards and scored from the one. Sanger’s 27-yard field goal made it 24-7 at halftime.
Nebraska capitalized on Cliff Branch’s fumbled punt in the third quarter, with Kinney capping the 25-yard march with his second TD. He led all rushers with 81 yards.
Recap source: 1971 media guide
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