CATS SEE RED AT HOME
NU can’t capitalize on two goal- line gaffes, falls at Ryan Field for third time this season
You could put out a welcome wagon for Nebraska. But there’s really no need.
The No. 20 Cornhuskers brought their entourage to Ryan Field on Saturday, turning Evanston into Lincoln East. They gave Northwestern a crowd of 40,284, its biggest of the season, and gave the local economy a boost. They also brought their terrific band, which put on a marvelous halftime show.
The Cornhuskers even gave away two first- half touchdowns on goal- line fumbles, enhancing the Wildcats’ chances to earn a muchneeded victory.
In the end, though, there was just one thing Nebraska wouldn’t do: Give Northwestern a win.
Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw for 246 yards and ran for 132 more to lift the Cornhuskers to a 24- 13 victory.
‘‘ The recurring theme in the three games we’ve lost this year— we’ve beaten ourselves,’’ NU coach Pat Fitzgerald said. ‘‘ Too many self- inflicted wounds. Holding calls, missed field goals, missed extra points, bad tackling. I’m really disappointed. We have to take a hard look at what we’re doing, a hard look at who we’re doing it with and we have to eliminate those self- in- flicted wounds.’’
This was a tough loss for the Cats, who fell to 1- 3 overall and 0- 1 in the Big Ten, despite playing their first four games at home. Their lone win came against Duke, which shocked Notre Dame on Saturday.
NU hits the road for its next two games. Iowa and Michigan State will not be sympathetic.
‘‘ We’re a very inconsistent football team, and that falls squarely on my shoulders,’’ Fitzgerald said. ‘‘ When we get out in Iowa City, we have to perform. It’s going to be tough. If we don’t go out there with the right attitude and the right preparation, we’ll get our fannies whipped.’’
Fitzgerald vowed to get tough with his players this week.
‘‘ These guys better figure it out pretty quick,’’ he said. ‘‘ They better get ready to get their rear ends coached off this week. That’s what’s going to happen. I’m not going to sit here, and I’m not going to take it. They better buckle up and start hyrdrating. It’s not acceptable, the way we’re playing. It starts and ends with me. I’m going to fix it.’’
Nebraska botched a chance for a touchdown on its third play from scrimmage, when running back Terrell Newby lost control of the ball as he tried to extend it over the goal line.
The second goal- line miscue came on a run by Devine Ozigbo, who was trying to punch in a touchdown after a 37- yard run by Armstrong to the NU 2. Stood up at the 1, Ozigbo had the ball stripped by Cats safety Godwin Igwebuike. Linebacker Joseph Jones recovered with 3: 24 left in the half.
‘‘ Any time you get a touchback or a fumble recovery at the 1, you have to feel good about yourselves,’’ Fitzgerald said. ‘‘ The stars are lining up. You kind of feel this is going to be our night. And then, penalties. missed extra point, missed field goal. Disappointing. Disappointing.’’
NU closed to 17- 13 on a 24- yard TD pass from Clayton Thorson to Austin Carr, but kicker Jack Mitchell missed the extra point.
The Huskers, which torched the NU defense for 556 yards, opened up a 24- 13 lead on a 10- yard endaround for a touchdown by receiver Jordan Westerkamp. It was a nice call for the junior from Montini, who had been open in the end zone twice only to be overthrown.
‘‘ I’m telling the guys that we have to come together stronger,’’ Carr said. ‘‘ We can’t let this break us. We can’t let these losses ruin our whole season. We can’t throw in the towel. We have to keep pushing.’’
Follow me on Twitter @HerbGould and at TMGcollegesports.com.