Tommy Armstrong wasn’t having a great day at all under center but he came up big when No. 10 Nebraska needed it during the second half to keep the Cornhuskers undefeated in a 27-22 win at Indiana on Saturday.
The quarterback was just 10-of-26 passing with two interceptions for the game but somehow, someway found Stanley Morgan Jr. for a huge 72 yard score in the fourth quarter and later converted on fourth and short to help seal the win.
Tailback Terrell Newby (102 yards, one TD) also contributed on a day where the Hoosiers’ defense was stifling but nearly opened the door back up for the home team by fumbling on a run in the final drive. Replay allowed the Cornhuskers to keep the ball and eventually put the game away but not before giving Big Red a minor heart attack.
Defensively, Chris Jones also added a big play by scoring on an interception return for a touchdown.
Indiana was down 17-0 after the first quarter but clawed their way back into the game by successfully using a two-quarterback system. Richard Lagow was effective when he wasn’t being chased from the pocket (196 yards, one TD, two picks) while Zander Diamont added more of a two dimensional threat out of the backfield and was the second leading rusher and passer for the Hoosiers on the day.
The win keeps Nebraska perfect on the year and makes them bowl eligible just a season after needing an exemption to get into the postseason. The Cornhuskers likely remain the favorite in the Big Ten West but are certainly a bit lucky to escape with a road win in conference play on Saturday in Bloomington.