Grixby, Ruud make pivotal plays to subdue āClones
In a game marked by crucial possession changes on turnovers, linebacker Bo Ruud made the biggest play with his 93-yard interception return late in the third quarter to seal a 35-17 win for the Huskers to open conference play.
Ruud caught the deflection on a pass breakup by Cortney Grixby. It was one of four turnovers by the Cyclones, who lost despite holding onto the ball for more than 39 minutes and running 102 plays compared to the Huskers’ 59.
Grixby, who made a key block on Ruud’s return, also picked off two passes. His return of the second interception for 41 yards to the ISU 3 set up Thomas Lawson’s second TD reception of the day in the final three minutes.
Grixby also helped kickstart the Husker offense in the second quarter with a 51-yard kickoff return. He finished with 140 all-purpose yards.
The Husker offense was productive in its short time on the field. Marlon Lucky got things started with a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sean Hill in the second quarter, and after Lawson’s first scoring reception, Lucky added a 41-yard TD run to push the lead to 21-10.
Lucky finished with 107 yards on the ground while quarterback Sam Keller was 18-of-28 through the air for 219 yards and two touchdowns.
Colonel Mustard