Huskers stifle fifth-ranked Wildcats
Quarterback Eric Crouch ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns while the Nebraska defense held Kansas State quarterbacks to 7-of-31 passing as the No. 7 Huskers beat the No. 5 Wildcats, 41-15, to take control of the Big 12 North title race.
Not even a school-record 10 fumbles by the Huskers could help the Wildcats, who were looking for their first back-to-back victories over Nebraska since 1958-59.
The Wildcats had a break on the Huskers’ first possession as I-back Dan Alexander fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and KSU’s Lamar Chapman picked up the ball at the NU 27. The Husker defense stiffened before Kyle Vanden Bosch blocked Jamie Rheem’s 40-yard field goal try.
Later in the quarter, wingback Bobby Newcombe returned a punt 28 yards to the KSU 44. Crouch scored four plays later on a draw from 30 yards out to give the Huskers a 7-0 lead nine minutes into the contest.
On the ensuing kickoff, Nebraska linebacker Mark Vedral forced a Terence Newman fumble, which Ralph Brown recovered at the 27 and returned it to the KSU 1, but Correll Buckhalter fumbled on the next play, ending the scoring threat.
The Husker defense held, forcing a punt which was blocked by linebacker Randy Stella and sent out of the end zone for a safety, giving NU a 9-0 edge.
Colonel Mustard