Blackshirts, Special Teams Boost Huskers
The Blackshirts flexed their muscles and the Husker special teams came up with two huge plays to fuel Nebraska to a 24-3 win over Missouri.
Nebraska’s defense kept Missouri quarterback Brad Smith and the rest of the Tigers in check, limiting Mizzou to just three long field goal attempts.
Cory Ross provided the offensive highlights for the Huskers with career-high 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Ross’ effort included a career-long 86-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
After a blocked Nebraska punt led to Missouri’s only points of the day and a 3-3 tie early in the second quarter, the Huskers answered with a special-teams gem of their own. Andrew Shanle blocked a Matt Hoenes punt and the ball bounced into the hands of Adam Ickes, who sprinted 16 yards for a touchdown to give NU a 10-3 lead with 9:42 left in the first half.
Another botched Missouri punt attempt put the Huskers up by two touchdowns late in the third quarter. The snap went through the hands of Hoenes, who recovered to swing and miss on a punt attempt while on the run. Shanle jumped on the loose ball, and Ross scored on a 15-yard run on Nebraska’s next play from scrimmage.
Colonel Mustard