After back-to-back tough losses, though each for very different reasons, the Huskers needed to find the win column vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was a tough, physical grind, but the Huskers were able to use another strong 4th quarter to knock off the Gophers 24-17, shutting them out in the 2nd half.
The Huskers fought though a sluggish first half where both the team and crowd seemingly struggled to fully get on track. Once they did, NU's offense outgained Minnesota's by more than 100 yards. The Husker defense also clamped down on the Gophers and QB Mitch Leidner. The Gophers failed to churn past the century mark in the 2nd half, only picking up 87. 56 of those came on the Gophers final attempt to tie the game. Leidner directed Minnesota to the Nebraska 17 yard line. On 1st and 10, the his pass was deflected by Aaron Williams into the waiting arms of Keiron Williams near the goal line. The Huskers celebrated, perhaps more relieved than anything, and now sit at 8-2, still alive in the Big Ten West race, but still needing help. Should the Wisconsin Badgers lose either of their next two games, the Huskers should be in prime position to pounce on the divisions slot in the Big Ten Title Game in Indianapolis. NU will need to continue to take care of their own business of course and their next opportunity to do that will be next week for their final home game of the season when the Maryland Terrapins come into Memorial Stadium for the first time since joining the Big Ten. Kick off time has yet to be announced.