Filed by Jon Nyatawa at 9:30 p.m.
After an impressive start to the half, Nebraska's offense has reverted back to its standard level of futility. But the NU defense isn't letting KSU take advantage.
The Huskers have gone three-and-out twice and gained just one first down since that four-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to begin the third quarter. They've totaled 27 yards on three drives.
But Kansas State hasn't been able to capitalize.
The Wildcats made two trips into the red zone, but came away empty on both occasions. Senior Larry Asante forced a key fumble when he hit senior Keithen Valentine at the 1-yard line. KSU kicker Josh Cherry missed a 32-yard field goal wide right.
If Nebraska's offense could find a way to put together some effective series, a point-producing drive, this game could be over.
Other observations:
-- That fake-option pass play didn't work this time. Zac Lee was sacked for a loss of 10 yards on third down, trying to run the same play that resulted in a long gain to Niles Paul a week ago. It appeared as if the Wildcats called the perfect blitz to defend that long-developing play.
-- After a relatively quiet day, Ndamukong Suh showed up at a key moment. With about 11 minutes left in the game, Suh sacked quarterback Grant Gregory on a second down play, then forced a punt by deflecting a pass at the line of scrimmage.
-- Either Alex Henery has a magical command of the football or he's just really talented. The junior booted a punt 62 yards and watched it bounce perfectly out of bounds at the 3-yard line. He had a similar kick in the first half, when his 45-yarder hit the ground and shot directly out of bounds at the 1.
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