The Nebraksa Cornhuskers have had a rough season as they entered this bowl game against the UCLA Bruins with a losing record (5-7).
Saying this season has been up and down would be a major exaggeration, for example the elation that followed the unlikely victory over Michigan State to the brutal defeat handed to them by the BYU Cougars from a Tanner Mangum Hail Mary.
The Huskers only got an opportunity at a bowl game thanks to their academic progress rates as schools from all over the country failed to make the cut. Nebraska saw single digit losses to Iowa, Miami, Wisconsin, and Illinois which clearly shows they could have just as easily been 10-2. Mike Riley's bunch avoided what could have been the worst offseason in history thanks to what would have been the Huskers first 8 loss season since they went 1-9 in 1957. Nebraska trailed early on getting down 21- 7.
Things quickly changed as Nebraska scored 30 unanswered points. Despite strong play from UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen who finished with 319 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions the Huskers held onto their lead in dominating fashion. The Huskers gained 326 rushing yards in this game compared to UCLA's 68 rushing yards from running back Paul Perkins. Nebraska safety Nate Gerry was ejected for targeting Perkins which seemed to be an unnecessary call.
Nebraska dominated time of possession as they held the ball 38 minutes and 14 seconds while UCLA only had possession for 21 minutes and 46 seconds. The highlight of the game came when Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong threw a deep ball to wide receiver Stanley Morgan JR who caught the ball one handed in the end zone as he was draped in coverage. Armstrong had a strong game as he became the third quarterback in Nebraska's history to have a 3,000 passing yard season.
Armstrong finished the game completed 12 of 19 passing attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also added 10 carries for 76 rushing yards and a touchdown. Nebraska will head into this offseason looking to get better running the ball as well as controlling the clock as Mike Riley stated he wants this team to become a top 3 run heavy team.
