Oct. 25--The glass is half-full again for Northwestern after escaping Nebraska with a 30-28 victory to improve to 6-2 (2-2 in the Big Ten) and become bowl eligible. With next weekend off, Northwestern can relax and prepare for Penn State on Nov. 7.
Offense
B. Clayton Thorson (13 of 28 for 177 passing yards) became more resourceful, choosing to run when pass plays broke down. His runs of 68 and 49 yards set up scores.
Defense
A. Dean Lowry (10 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for a loss, one pass breakup), Anthony Walker (13 tackles, one TFL) and Nick VanHoose (72-yard pick-six) led the NU defense, which is regaining its swagger. Safety Traveon Henry had five tackles, one for a 9-yard loss.
Special teams
A-. Jack Mitchell scored 12 points, including three field goals, and he had 4 touchbacks. Hunter Niswander had a 56-yard punt and one inside the 20. Miles Shuler ill-advisedly called for a fair catch at the Wildcats' 4, setting up a Nebraska safety, but he also had a 30-yard kickoff return.
Coaching
A. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz devised an effective plan to contain Huskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong and offensive coordinator Mick McCall put Thorson in better situations to make plays.
