Horror on Halloween: Huskers Hack Away a Lead and Hand Victory to Huskies
A missed chance near the goal line
Nebraska drove to the Washington five-yard line in the fourth quarter, with a chance to build a 14-3 lead. A delay-of-game penalty, two incomplete passes and a sack left the Huskers facing a field goal attempt.
Kyle Cunanan missed the 36-yard kick wide right, leaving Nebraska without points after its promising drive. The Huskers had opened the game with a 10-play, 95-yard touchdown drive, their longest of the season.
Late drive stalls out
After Nebraska’s defense forced Washington to punt, the Huskers took over at their own 20 with 6:03 remaining. Jamal Rule gained four yards, but two incomplete passes ended the possession after 1:34.
Washington began its next drive at its own 19 with 4:29 left. The Huskies had managed only 186 yards to that point and had converted three of 12 third downs, according to the report.
Washington converts under pressure
Quarterback Demond Williams scrambled for 17 yards on third-and-15, then was sacked twice. Facing fourth-and-18 at Nebraska’s 49, he threw while falling backward, and Chris Lawson caught the ball for 24 yards with a foot in bounds.
Lawson also made a 29-yard catch on a video review earlier in the game. He finished with 12 receptions for 155 yards, both career highs, as Washington completed its comeback.
Another fourth-quarter collapse
Nebraska was outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter against Washington. Over its last three games, the Huskers have been outscored 39-10 in the final quarter, after also losing leads against Indiana and Oregon.
The Huskers outgained Washington and limited the visitors to 32 rushing yards, an opponent season low. Coach Matt Rhule said Nebraska needed to score more than seven points to win a Big Ten game; the offense’s struggles again undermined a strong defensive showing.
Key points
- Nebraska fell 17-10 to Washington after surrendering its lead with 90 seconds left.
- A missed 36-yard field goal followed a first-and-goal opportunity at Washington’s five.
- Chris Lawson had 12 catches for 155 yards, both career highs.