The Huskers played a very safe game and felt the effect. After a big run by Johnson on the first drive that stalled at the 3 yard line, Penn State shut down the Huskers run game effectively shutting down the Husker offense. Nebraska’s unwillingness to threaten downfield with deep passes was their demise. While the offensive line held up well enough, the offense never seemed to gain any momentum.
Freshman signal caller TJ Lateef had more than a handful of aired passes leading to a large Penn State lead at the half that never seemed to be encroached on. Multiple penalties and errors did not help the Huskers’ cause, but in a game that seemed to be a replay of the Minnesota loss earlier this season, I’m not sure if they hurt either.
The defense faced two major issues and both of them rotated snaps at running back. Husker defensive players seemingly could not get off tackles, set the edge or hold their own in the trenches, giving up rush after rush for first down after first down eventually ending in multiple Penn State touchdowns. Once again the Nebraska rush defense, both line and linebackers got pushed around leading to a decisive Penn State win.
However, there were a few bright spots for the Huskers Saturday night. Emmett Johnson had another top tier game with over 100 yards rushing and TJ Lateef played well once the training wheels were taken off the offense.
Penn State kept their foot on the gas, faking a punt up 20. Nebraska had another late drive ending on 4th down around the 20 yard line. The Huskers drop another important game in disappointing fashion with a blowout 37-10 Penn State win.