Husker Gameday: Nebraska vs. UCLA (Foster Farms Bowl)

The Cornhuskers (6-7) scored 30 straight points after falling behind 21-7 early to overpower the Bruins (8-5) and provide a happy ending to coach Mike Riley’s first season.

Third Quarter (NU 30-21)NEB, 10:37 – Morgan 22 pass from Armstrong (PAT missed).

Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. was 12 of 19 for 179 passing yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

The Cornhuskers would then tie the game on an Andy Janovich run into the end zone to tie the game at 21-21. Cross added 55 yards on 15 totes. The first five were decided by 13 points…. Josh Rosen did his best to not let the game get away from his team by taking UCLA down the field for a touchdown pass to Jordan Peyton, but the Bruins would miss a big field goal late in the game.

Nebraska got rushing touchdowns from four different players, but oddly enough, none from leading rusher Devine Ozigbo who had 80 yards on 20 carries. There is no chance of rain in Santa Clara for the Foster Farmer Bowl with game time temperatures forecast to be in the mid-forties.

Its touchdown drives were methodical, boring and unstoppable.

The Blackshirts got their first stop of the night on their next opportunity and the offense again pounded into UCLA territory.

Still, it was the Huskers running game that enabled them to defeat heavily favored UCLA (8-5). On the carry, Armstrong had his facemask pulled but no penalty was called and the ball was poked out for a fumble.

Second Quarter (21-21)UCLA, 11:04 – Walker 60 pass from Rosen (Fairbairn PAT).

“I feel it was our responsibility to hold the ball a little longer and give the defense a little bit of a break”, said UCLA freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, who was 26 of 40 for 319 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Huskers allowed just 113.4 yards rushing per game his season, eighth best in the nation. Terrell Newby started the rally by scoring on a 3-yard run with 6:23 remaining in the first half.

Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA: After three stellar seasons in Los Angeles, UCLA’s Paul Perkins will have to decide if he is ready for the National Football League or wants to come back for his senior season.

The go-ahead drive was a nine-play, 78-yard series coming out of halftime.

Wednesday’s practice marked Nebraska’s third consecutive practice day and second straight practice in California. The Huskers earned their sixth win, but still ended up with just their third losing season since 1961. Westerkamp increased his season receptions total to 65 to finish second on the NU single-season receptions list, trailing only Marlon Lucky’s 75 catches in 2007.

Unfortunately, the Bruins’ 37-29 loss to Nebraska reminds us a lot of what we’ve already seen the last few years. His receptions total is tied for second on the NU single-season chart, while his yardage total ranks fourth in school history.

However, the point after attempt by Drew Brown was no good to keep the NU lead at 27-21. If Nebraska has any shot at pulling off the upset, the team will need to limit its turnovers against a Bruins team that has picked off 12 balls this season.

“It’s a learning experience for us and the coaches”, quarterback Tommy Armstrong said.

If Nebraska is going to continue in this manner – Nebraska rushed for 139 yards in the third quarter alone – it’s going to require a daily commitment. The players on the Nebraska team wore a number-36 helmet in honor of Nick Pasquale on their helmet. Rosen then hit Thomas Duarte with a two-point conversion pass to cut Nebraska’s lead to 37-29. The Cornhuskers only won three Big Ten affairs in 2015 while the Bruins won as many league contests, five, the ‘Huskers did all season.