Husker fans, if you haven't already, take time to exhale. Nebraska just won it's biggest game in as long as I can remember. No, it wasn't for a National Championship, or a conference championship, or even a conference game for that matter. But the win against Oregon puts Nebraska back on the map of relevancy, something the fans have been clamoring for since the 1990's.
Blackshirts
This wasn't Marcus Mariota's Oregon Ducks, but the Ducks still had the same speed and they showed that on Saturday. The Husker defensive ends struggled to contain speedy running back Kani Benoit and quarterback Dakota Prukop.
The up-tempo offense of Oregon didn't wear down the Husker defense like many thought it might. Nathan Gerry stepped up and became the leader of the defense and finished the game with nine tackles. Michael Rose-Ivey was flying around the field like a man possessed. He finished the game with six tackles of his own.
The Huskers won't face a team faster than Oregon all year (with the exception of Ohio State). Coming into the game, everyone knew it would be an offensive shootout. While the Blackshirts allowed 482 yards and 32 points, they locked down on the final drive when they needed to most.
Tommy Armstrong is a captain, even if he's not a captain
Armstrong proved he doesn't need a C on his chest to be a leader. While he may have some mind-blowing mistakes, like the backwards pass on a screen that was ruled a fumble in the first half, he also can sit in there and deliver when the Huskers offense needs it most.
It helps that Armstrong has some of the best wide receivers in the nation who are really, really good at getting open. The five and ten yard throws are proving to be right in Tommy's wheelhouse, and when he gets going, its tough to stop him.
Not to mention he put the team, no, the state, on his back with that 34-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left.
Devine Ozigbo is the future
Ozigbo continues to prove that he is the guy for Nebraska. Terrell Newby may get the starts, but Ozigbo gets the carries. Ozigbo finished with 21 carries and 95 yards.
It's nothing flashy or fancy, but he puts his nose down and runs, something Husker fans are sure to love.If you want a running back that embodies Nebraska football, Ozigbo is your guy.
Riley playing to win
Nebraska went for it on fourth down three times and converted on two. One of the biggest plays of the game was when the Huskers converted on fourth down with just over three minutes left from just about midfield. Riley knew the capabilities of the Oregon offense and he wasn't letting this one slip away. That takes guts. That's how you win football games.
Next week the Huskers open up Big Ten play as they head to Chicago to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern hasn't looked particularly good after dropping its first two games to Western Michigan and Illinois State, but the Huskers can't afford a victory hangover heading to Ryan Field. That game will start at 6:30 CT.
For continuing coverage of Nebraska football, follow @OSIsports and @TylerMartinOSI on Twitter, check back with OmahaSportsInsider.com and tune into KMTV and AM 590 ESPN Omaha.
Contact the writer:
Twitter: @TylerMartinOSI
Email: Tyler.Martin@KMTV.com
