Just barely, and in breathtaking fashion, Nebraska avoided what easily would’ve been the worst and most embarrassing loss of the young season for any FBS program.
Tied at 24-all with McNeese State, the Cornhuskers were facing a third-and-six from their own 42 with just over 30 seconds remaining and a huge home upset looming. And then, Ameer Abdullah happened.
Taking a pass from Tommy Armstrong that was short of the first down initially and, after breaking several tackles, Abdullah not only got the first down but outran the FCS defense for a 58-yard touchdown catch with 2o seconds left that turned out to be the game-winning score.
Check out the video below:
Or, as the esteemed Faux Pelini put it...
I WANT TO MAKE OUT WITH AMEER ABDULLAH THERE I SAID IT
— Faux Pelini (@FauxPelini) September 6, 2014
I WOULD MARRY THAT PLAY IF YOU COULD MARRY PLAYS
— Faux Pelini (@FauxPelini) September 6, 2014
Prior to that, however, it was anything but fun and games.
McNeese State jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter, and, despite being a 30-plus-point underdog on the road, never trailed by more than 10 points. The two teams were tied on three separate occasions, including at 24-all thanks to a Cowboys field goal with just over four minutes remaining.
But then, again, Abdullah happened.
Abdullah, coming off a career-high 233 yards in the opener, was held to just 54 yards rushing, but caught three passes for 96 yards, including, well, ya know. Bo Pelini, for one, was thankful one of the best runing backs in the country was on his side today.
Bo an Abdullah: "He put the team on his back and won the game. Thank God for Ameer. He showed why he is who he is."
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) September 6, 2014