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Score: Nebraska 27, Rutgers 17
Key play: De’Mornay Pierson-El go-ahead touchdown catch
Yes, the key play came from the arm of Tanner Lee. And no, it wasn’t a pick-six. Say what you want about Lee’s accuracy (it wasn’t good), but he found Pierson-El in the back of the end zone for the go-ahead score. That play capped off an 8-minute, 97-yard drive.
There’s no such thing as sure-fire points with Lee’s red-zone issues. Closing out a huge drive with his best throw of the day was the difference in this one.
Offensive star: Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska RB
The stat line wasn’t that impressive (24 carries, 101 yards), but I’m not sure the Huskers win that game without Ozigbo. The Nebraska offensive line finally picked up its play and gave Ozigbo some running room. On top of that, he dragged Rutgers defenders throughout the afternoon.
On a day in which the offense looked, um, questionable, Ozigbo looked like he played as hard as anyone.
What it means: Mike Riley survives the weekend
Right? I mean, without Shawn Eichorst in his corner anymore, a loss to the Scarlet Knights would’ve likely been the end of Riley’s days in Lincoln. Instead, his team stepped up down the stretch and kept him around, at least for another weekend.
Can you imagine how things could’ve possibly gotten any worse in Lincoln with a loss to Rutgers? The phone lines in Lincoln would’ve been electric. Shoot, they’ll be electric every weekend Nebraska doesn’t destroy its opponent.
Riley will get to stick around for next week’s showdown at Illinois. And, as that optimistic Nebraska fan will tell you, the Huskers are technically leading the B1G West right now.
Connor O'Gara is the senior national columnist for Saturday Tradition. He's a member of the Football Writers Association of America. After spending his entire life living in B1G country, he moved to the South in 2015.