Huskers can't stop Cowboys
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
STILLWATER, Okla. — Seemingly on the cusp of taking charge of the Big 12 North Division, 20th-ranked Nebraska instead took one on the chin.
With divisional co-leader Missouri falling at home to Oklahoma, and playing badly in doing so, Nebraska encountered a prime opportunity to gain separation in the race for the Big 12 championship game.
Like the Tigers, however, the Huskers turned in a disappointing performance against a South Division rival, falling 41-29 to Oklahoma State before 40,108 spectators on a sun-splashed Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium (click here for a photo gallery from the game).
Nebraska blew a 16-0 lead and saw its record drop to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference. No. 23 Missouri, 7-2 and 3-2, visits Lincoln this coming Saturday.
“We wanted to have complete control (in the North),” said Husker quarterback Zac Taylor. “We had a major letdown, and it’s really disappointing.“
Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, whose team was coming off an emotional loss to Texas, said Oklahoma State (5-3, 2-2) was outstanding in the second half in outscoring the Huskers 21-6. NU managed only an inconsequential touchdown in the final seconds.
However, “Our goals are still intact,” said Callahan.
Nebraska ran the ball well throughout the first half but went away from the running game in the second half even though it still led — a departure from previous road games. In doing so, Taylor said, the Huskers were playing a “cat-and-mouse game,” basically adjusting to Oklahoma State’s adjustments.
After rushing 23 times for 159 yards in the first half, Nebraska had 17 carries for 52 yards after the break. In the third quarter, the Huskers had 18 regular-down plays from scrimmage, including seven rushes (for 35 yards).
After Oklahoma State took its first lead — 27-23 early in the fourth quarter —Nebraska started throwing “maybe a little bit too much,” Callahan said.
Whatever the case, Oklahoma State clearly was the better team in the second half, its offense making big plays both on the ground and through the air. The Cowboys finished with 496 total yards, averaging 8 yards per play. They rushed for a season-high 267 yards and passed for 229.
“Everybody on this team had the opportunity to say, ’They are a good football team, and we are behind, so let’s just go in the tank,’” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. “Our guys didn’t respond that way because they have good senior leadership.“
Not to mention a talented quarterback and some fleet receivers.
The game arguably swung on the first two plays of the fourth quarter. On third-and-9 from Oklahoma State’s 25-yard line, Cowboys QB Bobby Reid lofted a strike to wide receiver D’Juan Woods, who froze cornerback Andre Jones with a fake to the sideline, sprinted past the defender and hauled in a 55-yard completion.
The long play set up tailback Dantrell Savage’s 20-yard touchdown run, giving Oklahoma State its 27-23 advantage with 14:30 remaining in the game.
Savage rushed 17 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and Reid ended up 13-for-21 passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns. His 19-yard completion to wideout Adarius Bowman, followed by Savage’s 18-yard run, helped set up the touchdown that pushed OSU’s lead to 34-23 with 8:05 remaining.
Oklahoma State suddenly was in command.
Because Nebraska had to constantly double-team either Woods or Bowman, it left the Huskers vulnerable against the run.
“You pick your poison,” said Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove.
Callahan, meanwhile, said his main frustration was shoddy special-teams play. That area cost Nebraska dearly late in the first half, when speedy freshman Perrish Cox picked up Jake Wesch’s squib kick and returned it 39 yards to the Huskers’ 45.
On the next play, Bowman beat two defenders for a 45-yard TD reception that pulled Oklahoma State to 23-20 after Nebraska seemingly had seized control just minutes beforehand.
“We had a complete collapse and meltdown in special teams,” Callahan said.
Nebraska I-back Brandon Jackson rushed 21 times for a career-high 182 yards — 124 in the first half. In the second half, as the Huskers’ run game slowed, Oklahoma State brought more pressure. Taylor seldom had much time to throw.
“We didn’t hold up well up front or at running back (in pass protection),” said NU offensive coordinator Jay Norvell.“You have to pass protect in that kind of game.“
Assessing the performance in totality, Nebraska left tackle Chris Patrick said, “It’s probably the worst we’ve played all season.“
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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