Cornerstone Printing & Imaging BS Poll

LINCOLN (BS) -- A stretch? Maybe. But can you think of a better reason (or fable) to explain how Nebraska won this game by a measly eight points?

Consider the evidence: NU had 397 total offensive yards to Penn State's 203, and they outrushed the Lions by nearly 300 yards (337 to 44).

NU also had ten more first downs, twice as many third-down conversions and, once again, a huge advantage in time of possession (39:45 to 20:15).

When you also consider that NU-PSU was broadcast to more than half the country, you can understand the need to keep viewers glued.

Thankfully, it was well scripted.

We especially liked Penn State's final drive of the first half, when they used all three of their time outs and drove 49 yards in 2:16 for a 47-yard field goal (and a 10-9 lead) as time expired.

Then, in a sweeping shift of momentum, Nebraska opens the second half with a signature, 80-yard, 16-run touchdown drive that killed 8:12.

What made this truly captivating was that the NU offense finally traversed the red zone that has taken the lives of so many innocent drives.

Another dramatic moment was David Dyches' first miss. After nailing his first seven field goals, including one that was tipped, his eighth attempt was blocked.

However, the freshman from Texas bounced back with a huge boot from 32 yards to give Nebraska an 18-10 lead with 3:53 left in the game.

As the clocked ticked down to zero, local TV retailers enjoyed a sigh of relief as surely no one could have won the "guess the score and receive your big screen purchase for free" promotion.

Husker fans in general were also relieved that the NU's now well-publicized red zone troubles haven't hurt them more.

As much as we love being 3-0 during a "rebuilding year," it makes you wonder if Huskers can score touchdowns when/if they NEED to to win a game.

On the flip side, we must say that Penn State's winning record against NU (7-6) is quite bothersome. Unlike the recent Notre Dame series, the Huskers failed to win both and stake an advantage.

Of course, many would still like to argue about the '82 game in Happy Valley, and with good reason, but it's been 20+ years and it's probably time to let it go.

So hold your Nittany heads high, PSU. You caught us at the perfect time last year for a blowout, proving once and for all why all-white road uniforms are your thing and not ours (thanks, Steve P).

Also, as the above photo shows, even JoePa towers over the diminutive Frank Solich. We're not surprised, but it was probably Frank's best chance to at least look another coach in the eye.

Oh well, anything for the ratings...