Nebraska has played opponents close all season long, but Scott Frost is hoping his team can overcome those heartbreaking losses with a win on Friday. Through one half, the Huskers are in good shape.

Through the first 30 minutes, Nebraska owns a 14-6 advantage on No. 16 Iowa.

Logan Smothers got his first start at quarterback and he’s delivered in a big way. He has a team-high 64 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 14 carries in the first half. He’s also completed all 5 passes for 58 yards.

Jaquez Yant is the second-leading rusher at 25 carries and a touchdown on 8 touches. Samori Toure is the team’s top receiver with 47 yards on 2 catches.

Iowa’s only two scores in the game have come on field goals from Caleb Shudak.

A Hawkeyes touchdown was wiped off the board early in the game. A pass from Alex Padilla to Sam LaPorta appeared to be caught for a tying touchdown in the first quarter, but the ball popped free at the end of the play and was ruled an incompletion after review.

Nebraska scored on its opening possession — a 12-play, 75-yard drive — and again in the second quarter on a 13-play, 75-yard drive.

The Huskers are 3-8 with 7 losses coming in 1-possession games.