Only the fate of those red balloons seemed in doubt late in the first half when Oklahoma State was rolling all over Nebraska.

History says you send them flying after a Nebraska score. Sarcastic or not, a load of balloons were let loose when Nebraska managed its initial first down almost 12 minutes into the game. A handful more went skyward when the Huskers did it again four plays later when the crowd was roaring for a first down like they used to for touchdowns.

The answer as to whether any balloons remained was revealed five seconds into the fourth quarter. Sam Keller finally found enough time, and J.B. Phillips found enough life to haul in a 13-yard pass, and the few fans that had held onto hope and helium had a reason to let those balloons loose.

Maybe Huskers Nation has more patience than we think. Then again, maybe not.

It’s a Husker Nation that still can’t get used to three-and outs, to back-to-back penalties that negate first downs, to a fumble and then an interception on the next possession.

To first-half penalty yardage (52) being not far behind first-half total offense (101), to speedy I-backs being hauled down from behind, to four-star prospects having no room to run.

Even in the fourth quarter, a good thing (24-yard pass to Maurice Purify) was followed by a bad (a second interception).

The big groans came early, when the Huskers faced third-and-2, followed by fourth-and-2 at the OSU 10-yard line and couldn’t gain an inch.

Needing two timeouts and a pass to a fullback to score at the finish likely wasn’t a moment of pride, either.

Where the Nebraska offense is breaking down most is tough to determine, players say. You don’t want to believe them. Sounds too much like a coach would say; guys not wanting to throw their buddies under the bus. The more you think about it, though, they’re probably right.

“I think it’s everybody,” receiver Nate Swift said. “In the running game, we can block better, and as receivers, we can get into our routes better. I think everybody is having a tough time right now.

“We’re trying to get the running game going to open up the pass, and that’s obviously not working. We go to the passing game, and that’s not working, either. It just doesn’t seem like anything is working for us right now.”

The Huskers’ first eight drives ended like this: punt, punt, punt, downs, fumble, interception, punt, downs.

One drive, it was Keller on his back, the next a dropped pass.

“I can’t put a finger on where we’re faltering,” tackle Lydon Murtha said. “Our pass protection was good, and our run blocking wasn’t horrible. It’s everybody.”

Those head-to-head statistical matchups for folks who think football games are won on paper never materialized. Oklahoma State’s pass defense — 116th among 119 Division I teams — allowed NU a season-low 129 yards passing — 91 of them in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys’ 61st-ranked scoring defense held Nebraska scoreless until the final 15 minutes.

“It sucks every week that it’s the little things,” Phillips said.

Even those faithful who held onto their balloons until the Huskers finally scored probably can agree this one stunk.

Reach Brent C. Wagner at 473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com.