LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) – Nebraska appeared to be in a position to blow up Penn State, but suddenly found himself in a tight game, the kind of game the Cornhuskers lost to third-year coach Scott Frost.
The Nittany Lions penetrated deep into Nebraska territory twice in the last 4 minutes, and in time, the Huskers’ defense made saves that preserved a 30-23 victory on Saturday.
“The state needed it, the team needed it, I needed it,” Frost said. “We talked at halftime and told them frankly that we were already in this situation. You have to be informed how to win. ” Winning young people will know they can win in the future.
Luke McCaffrey had his first quarterback begin in the position of Adrian Martinez, who had two flat performances when the Huskers opened the season with two losses.
“This resolution is one of the hardest I’ve ever made,” nebraska coach Scott Frost said. “I think a lot about Adrián Martínez as a person. He’s been spending a lot with us. In fact, he trained hard enough to play, so it’s a difficult resolution. I intend to contemplate it (Luke’s first start), he did a lot of smart things and there are a lot of things to build on. “
The youngest brother of NFL star Christian McCaffrey contributed two touchdowns in the first half. The Huskers (1-2, 1-2 Big Ten) lost their rhythm after that, achieving only 95 yards and 3 problems along the rest of the way. 21 for 152 yards and ran thirteen times for 67.
“There’s a convenience point that’s higher in the game, so it’s a huge thing for next week,” McCaffrey said. “It’s definitely the most valuable thing about this game, and the most vital thing we’ve gained. “
A team in the top 10 to start the season, the Lions (0-4, 0-4) have had their worst start since Joe Paterno’s team in 2001 also opened with four direct defeats.
Quarterback Sean Clifford struggled again, being replaced by Will Levis after delivering the ball in two of the Lions’ first three possessions.
“This year, obviously, we’re betting enough games and the ball losses are hard to beat,” said Lions coach James Franklin. “This year, with the results, it magnifies everything. “
Nebraska led 27-6 at half-time, but the Lions scored a landing and had two chances to tie or advance in the last four minutes.
The Lions returned the ball to the back after Levis threw four consecutive passes from the 11-yard line, Nebraska scored a hat-trick and Levis moved his team to 9. He desperately threw a Ben Stille tension at 4th base, the ball hit the grass and the Huskers ran out of time.
“I went and executed, but it wasn’t enough,” Levis said. ” There is room to improve in all areas, especially in the red zone. It doesn’t mean anything if you catch the ball to the end and you do it. don’t score. “
Franklin has avoided talking about the quarterback’s situation. Levis finished 14 out of 31 for 219 yards and ran 18 times for 61 yards.
“He came in and gave us a spark, ” said Franklin. ” He played in the aerial game, I think he did a smart task when managing the game as a whole. It gives us something to build on. “
THE WAY
Penn State: The Lions beat the Huskers 501-298, but they continue to hurt sales and are contemplating a 0-5 start for the first time since the program began in 1887.
Nebraska: McCaffrey seized his opportunity. He brings spark to the attack, it is a risk to run and in one play he showed a lot of talent with a left pass while he was about to be sacked.
LONG DAY’S WORK
Penn State had the property for more than 36 minutes, leaving Nebraska defensive in the area for 91 games.
“I would say towards the end of the game, it will charge us dearly,” said cornerer Cam Taylor-Britt, who had a 55-yard interception return. That’s all we need. We were looking to be the ones to finish the game, and we did.
ROBINSON’S ROLE
Frost planned to further involve the explosive Wan’Dale Robinson in the attack, but he hoped she would be with him as the ball carrier. Robinson, who plays catcher, replaced an injured Dedrick Mills and rushed 16 times for 60 yards. He also had five balls for 11 yards.
Following
Penn State receives Iowa on November 21. The Nittany Lions have the Hawkeyes six times in a row.
Nebraska receives Illinois on November 21. The Huskers have a 6-1 record against the Illinis since joining the Big Ten.
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