Complete Stats
Huskers fold in third quarter, fall to Buffaloes
A pair of interceptions and a blocked punt quickly turned a 35-24 Nebraska halftime lead into a 44-35 deficit as Colorado scored 20 unanswered points during a 5:07 span in the third quarter en route to scoring 34 straight second-half points to end the Huskers’ season with a 65-51 victory.
After Nebraska scored touchdowns on four of its final five first-half possessions to erase a 10-point deficit and build a 35-24 halftime advantage, Colorado scored 41 points in the second half, while shutting out the Husker offense until a Maurice Purify 9-yard touchdown grab with 2:08 remaining in the game.
The tide began to turn when NU quarterback Joe Ganz had his third-down pass intercepted by Jimmy Smith and returned 31 yards for a touchdown with 10:26 remaining in the third quarter. Although the Huskers still led 35-31 after the score, it began the momentum swing that ultimately turned the game in CU’s favor.
It was the highest-scoring game in the history of the 66-game series. Colorado’s victory made the Buffs bowl-eligible at 6-6, while the Huskers will stay home for the holidays at 5-7.
Next up at Nebraska: A Saturday meeting between coach Bill Callahan and interim athletic director Tom Osborne.
Colonel Mustard