Nebraska Runs By New Mexico State - 38 to 7

Joe Ganz became the first Cornhusker to score a touchdown rushing, passing and receiving since Eric Crouch as Nebraska leveled New Mexico State, 38-7. The Huskers' revived their ground attack rushing for 330 yards, and the NU defense only gave up a late score (set up by a NMSU fumble return to the NU 2) to move the Huskers to 3-0 on the season.

The first quarter of the game passed very quickly, with both teams going on long (and fruitless) drives in to opponent territory. New Mexico State had their field goal attempt blocked by NU's Zach Potter, to come away empty on their first possession. The Huskers Alex Henery missed a 35-yard field goal attempt on NU's first drive. The NU defense forced a three-and-out on the next series. And the Huskers would continue to move the ball well throughout the quarter, particularly on the ground. And running back Marlon Lucky capped 6-play 58 yard drive with an eight yard touchdown run in the quarter's final seconds.

The Huskers scored early in the second quarter by capitalizing on an Aggie turnover. After cornerback Armando Murillo returned an interception deep in to Aggie territory, NU had a little razzle dazzle for the fans. Marlon Lucky took a pitch to the right side and threw back to a wide open Ganz for the second Husker score of the night. The Huskers would take a 21-0 lead at the half courtesy of Ganz again. This time the quarterback scooted 33 yards for a touchdown on an option play.

Lucky helped NU open third quarter scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run. It was set up by a 58-yard run by Lucky on the same series. Ganz would make his scoring trifecta by hooking up with tight end Mike McNeil for a 35-yard touchdown pass and catch. McNeil made a spectacular play for the score, sidestepping a defender, using a wicked block from wide receiver Niles Paul and then going head over heals to leap over a defender and land in the end zone.

Nebraska would not have a shut out on the evening. NMSU's Marquell Colston broke the seal on the end zone with a three-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. To be fair to NU's defense, the score was set up by a NMSU return of an NU fumble to inside the Husker five yard line. Alex Henery would add a chip shot field goal to bring the scoring to a close at 38-7.

Statistical Leaders
The Huskers managed 553 yards of total offense, with 330 of those coming on the ground. Lucky led the way with 103 yards rushing on 15 carries. Quentin Castille added 75 yards on 10 carries, while Ganz had 69 rushing yards from his quarterback position.

Passing the football, Ganz was an efficient 13 of 17 for 158 yards and a score. Ganz did not play much of the fourth quarter. Patrick Witt completed three of four passes for 40 yards in relief. The Husker passing game showed extraordinary distribution, as 10 different Husker caught passes on the evening. NU got significant production from the tight end position, with McNeil leading the way with 57 yards and a touchdown and Hunter Teafatiller catching three passes.

Defensively for Nebraska, cornerback Eric Hagg led the way with 10 tackles from his cornerback spot. Ndamukong Suh collected his first two quarterback sacks on the season. And, Murillo and safety Matt O'Hanlon intercepted Aggie passes.

For 3-0 Nebraska a bye week comes next, followed by a tilt with Virginia Tech in Lincoln. New Mexico State opens the year 0-1 and travels to play UTEP next week.