The next time Nebraska encounters a fourth down situation, Mike Riley might have to think a little bit harder.

Late in the second quarter facing a 4th-and-3, the Huskers sent their punt unit out on the field, hoping to pin Minnesota deep in their own territory and head into halftime trailing 14-10. Instead, things went wrong for Nebraska. Really wrong.

Freshman Caleb Lightbourn booted a punt high into the air. When the ball finally fell back to the turf it struck the ground hard and started heading the opposite direction. It was officially registered as a punt netting -2 yards.

 

The special teams miscue allowed the Gophers to get into field goal range and increase their lead to 17-10 heading into the half.