Northwestern absolutely had to win. In order to remain in the chase for the B1G West crown, the Wildcats had to find a way to overcome a 31-21 deficit with five minutes to go.

Clayton Thorson got the job done.

Trailing by 10, the Wildcats were able to put together a 15-play, 62-yard drive that led to a field goal to cut the lead to just a touchdown with three minutes left. Then, following a defensive stand, Northwestern went 99 yards in eight plays to tie the game at 31-31 with a few seconds remaining.

And in overtime, Northwestern recorded an interception and Drew Luckenbaugh knocked home a 37-yard field goal attempt to post the 34-31 win over Nebraska.

It was a homecoming win for the Wildcats, and one that improves their record to 3-3 on the year and 3-1 in the B1G. Thorson threw for 455 yards and three touchdowns, masking a rushing attack that amassed just 32 yards on the ground.

Flynn Nagel was unstoppable, catching 12 passes for 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Northwestern’s triumph was Nebraska’s devastation.

Holding that 10-point lead with five minutes to play felt like a guaranteed win for the Huskers. They appeared to be locking up their first victory of the Scott Frost era. Instead, it was another major disappointment.

Nebraska totaled nearly 500 yards of offense again, but had three turnovers and nine penalties. And though the Huskers should have overcome those troubles, it couldn’t stop Thorson and the passing attack.

Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum for the two programs.

Now, Northwestern has a road trip to Rutgers before hosting Wisconsin at Ryan Field on Oct. 27. It’s a potential battle for the first place spot in the West. And the Wildcats have had some success against the Badgers in recent years.

Over the last two weeks, Northwestern’s offense, particularly Thorson, has come to life. And despite that 3-3 record, the ‘Cats are right in the thick of the division race.