Playing their first game since dropping from the number one ranking in the AP poll, the Nebraska Cornhuskers used big plays, and got big-time performances from several players to defeat a pesky Iowa State team that kept the Huskers on the ropes into the fourth quarter.

Husker quarterback Eric Crouch had a career best 302 yards of total offense and rush end Kyle Vanden Bosch turned in five tackles for loss, including the first quarterback sack allowed by the Cyclones this year, and three quarterback hurries to guide the Huskers to a 49-27 victory.

“I told coach Solich this week I had to come out and have a good game.” Vanden Bosch said. ”I really hadn’t felt I had a good game yet. This week I took a step in the right direction.”

Crouch passed for 164 yards and rushed for 138 and a touchdown. But the Huskers needed 28 fourth quarter points before they could claim the victory over the Cyclones. The Husker defense pitched in by limiting the Cyclones to 37 yards rushing. Nebraska finished the game with 347 yards rushing and 500 yards of total offense. Iowa State had 383 yards of net offense.

With game time temperatures at 41 degrees with a 15 mile per hour wind, Iowa State quickly warmed up the crowd by taking an early lead when quarterback Sage Rosenfels hit Craig Campbell in stride at the 35, who then outraced the coverage for the score.

Nebraska’s offense sputtered in the opening quarter, punting once, losing the ball on downs on another drive and missing a 39 yards field goal attempt into a stiff breeze.

A short second quarter Cyclone punt set up the Huskers at midfield for their first scoring drive. Nebraska moved 50 yards in three plays thanks to a 40-yard run by Crouch to the 9. Correll Buckhalter took the ball in for the score.

Nebraska took their first lead of the game with 10:45 left in the half on a 40-yard Josh Brown field goal.

Kyle Vanden Bosch Dominated With Five Tackles For Loss

Iowa State struck back with one of the game’s biggest defensive plays. Jamarcus Powers stepped in front of a Husker receiver at the 40-yard line to intercept a Crouch. He raced in untouched for a touchdown. The Huskers added a field goal but Iowa State held the upper hand at halftime with a 14-13 lead.

Husker defensive coordinator said the coaches did their best to keep the players focused during the halftime locker room meetings.

“We tried to instill a sense of confidence. It was important that we go out and establish the tone early and we were able to do that during the third quarter.” Bohl said.

The Huskers responded on their first drive by capping a 39-yard, five play series with a 1-yard touchdown run by Buckhalter. But they were matched by ISU on their next drive. Running back Ennis Haywood took the ball in on a 4-yard TD run. The extra point was missed, however, and the Huskers held on to a 21-20 lead with 6:46 left in the third.

The Huskers exploded in the fourth quarter. They reached paydirt on their first three possessions of the period to open up a 42-20 margin and put the game away.

The first score was set up by a 25-yard pass from Crouch to Buckhalter.

“We practiced that play (all week) because the coaches said there might be a time in the game where we will run it.” Buckhalter said. “I was fortunate to sneak out of the backfield and get down the sideline where Crouch was able to throw it to me to make the big play and get the job done.”

Eric Crouch Runs For Daylight Towards A 138 Yard Rushing Day

Willie Miller capped the drive with a 9-yard TD run. Then, on the following ISU possession, defensive back Troy Watchorn intercepted his third pass in as many games to set Nebraska up at the ISU 18 yard line. Three plays later Nebraska scored again on Buckhalter’s third TD of the game. Crouch provided the third score on a 1-yard dive.

Both teams added another touchdown before the final gun. Husker backup quarterback Jammal Lord logged his first career TD on a 6-yard dash.

“It’s not been easy for us (this year).” Said Husker head coach Frank Solich. “There’ve been times when we had our back up against the wall. We’ve been put into corners. But when that has happened they (the Huskers) have responded.”

Iowa State quarterback Sage Rosenfels passed for 346 yards (22-42) and two touchdowns.

“They made the plays that we couldn’t make.” Said Rosenfels. “I wish we could have made the plays, but, we gave it our best shot today.”

I-Back Dan Alexander rushed for 96 yards on 21 caries. Correll Buckhalter had 20 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Tracey Wistrom had 101 yards receiving.