The Wyoming Cowboys gave the No. 18 Nebraska Cornhuskers everything they had on Saturday night, and then gave a little bit more. In the end, though, Nebraska overcame a sloppy defensive performance to avoid the upset and pick up the 37-34 win in thrilling fashion.
Wyoming vs. Nebraska 2013 game recap: Cornhuskers survive with 37-34 win
The Cowboys held tough for all four quarters, but Nebraska’s ground attack proved to be too much as they opened up the season with a win.
The Cornhuskers led comfortably throughout most of the contest until late in the fourth quarter. Leading 37-21 with just 11 minutes remaining, it seemed Nebraska was well on their way to a season-opening blowout. The Cowboys battled back with two touchdown passes from Brett Smith to Jalen Claiborne and Robert Herron, pulling Wyoming within three points with 1:32 left on the clock.
Nebraska recovered an onside kick attempt but was forced to punt with just over a minute remaining. Two holding penalties on the final possession would loom large for the Cowboys, and a last-second heave from Smith would fall incomplete.
Box Score Hero: Smith did it all for the Cowboys, racking up 475 yards of total offense. He did everything possible to score the huge road upset and came up just short. The Cornhuskers ran the ball well all night long, carrying the pigskin 63 times for 375 yards. That’s an average of six yards per carry. They were also phenomenal on third down, going 9-for-17 with their backs against the wall.
Rankings Ramifications: A loss would’ve likely knocked Nebraska out of the polls. With the win, the Cornhuskers should remain right around No. 18 when the rankings are released this week, though they may drop a slot or two after the close call.
But Did They Cover? Nebraska was a 30-point favorite heading into Saturday night, failing to cover the spread by a wide margin.
For More On This Game: For more on Huskers football, visit Nebraska community Corn Nation, plus Big Ten community Off Tackle Empire.
For more on Cowboys football, visit Wyoming community Cowboy Altitude, plus MWC community Mountain West Connection.
Next Week’s Schedule:
9/7, 6 p.m. ET: Nebraska vs. Southern Miss
9/7, 4 p.m.: Wyoming vs. Idaho
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