Nebraska vs Penn State: 10 Things You Need to Know Post Paterno Era

A game seemingly filled with several different emotions was not an easy game to watch in the first half. The Nittany Lions struggled to find any offense, but rallied back to give the Huskers all they can handle in what forever will be a memorable game despite the loss. 

This game feature many highs and lows and it gave us the first game in which Joe Paterno was not on the sidelines since 1949!

Pregame

The pregame prayer is something that the entire stadium will never forget. Both teams came together and had the unforgettable moment in what has arguably been one of the more tumultuous weekends in the history of college football.

Tears were shed and I think the biggest decision was made by ESPN because College Gameday ended 15 minutes short of their usual time.

The reason being was because they wanted to show the entire pregame ceremonies. When the Nittany Lions came out, the crowd roared, "WE ARE PENN STATE!"

Then, the players from both Nebraska and Penn State knelt at midfield. The entire stadium bowed their heads as Nebraska assistant Ron Brown said a prayer.

Tears shed for a few minutes, but it all started back when the players on the bus broke down a bit hours before the game when they left the seat that Paterno sits in, empty.

First Quarter Defenses: Lights out

Nebraska totaled for just 29 yards of offense which is amazing with everything Penn State has gone through. However, most allude to the fact that the first few possessions were clearly played on sure adrenaline. 

The Nittany Lions totaled 64 yards of offense by picking up five first downs. Nobody can stress how great the defense played up front limiting the Huskers to just two first downs. 

First Quarter Offenses: Non-Existant

I mentioned the amount of first downs both teams combined for in the first quarter, but no team was able to throw the ball at all. It was not just the first quarter, but both of these teams' weaknesses throughout the season has been to consistently thread the needle.

The two teams combined to throw for 352 yards so it proved what their Achilles heels were all along. 

Still, it should go without saying that these teams are run-oriented offenses who can gash the opposition for 200 yards a game. 

Squandered Opportunities Went into the Half

The second drive of the game for Penn State was arguably the best for the entire first half. It was a nine play drive that went 51 yards in 4:27, but it was all for nothing as Anthony Fera missed a 47 yarder.

The defense forced quick three-and-out, but the offense followed it up with one of their own. The Huskers eventually got the ball back and added a nine play drive that resulted into three points.

What killed the Nittany Lions was a 12 play drive that resulted into the first touchdown of the game. Taylor Martinez had a solid drive and running back Ameer Abdullah finished it off with a two yard touchdown.

There was only 44 ticks left on the clock in the first half and Penn State eventually ran out of time as they trailed 10-0 at the break.

Third Quarter: Scoring Came to Play

After a huge sack and forced fumble Cameron Meredith, the Huskers were looking fine and dandy at midfield. 

Husker nation got a quick touchdown on only an eight play drive. Rex Burkhead reached pay dirt form 14 yards out and Nebraska was all of a sudden in control up 17-0.

The next drive for Penn State was magical as they started their rally against Nebraska. The Nittany Lions had a solid nine play drive that ended up in a touchdown in just 3:44.

It was capped off with a five yard scamper for Stephfon Green. The defense then held at midfield and got the ball, though a three-and-out occurred.

The defense did its best as the quarter had ended after Rex Burkhead ran for a six yard gain which was set up by Taylor Martinez first down pass to Quincy Enunwa for six yards.

Rex Burkhead Is a Stud

Some may have forgotten how great of a running back Rex Burkhead was heading into this game. He may be the best runner in the entire Big Ten and beyond.

Burkhead finished the game with 121 yards and a touchdown, which was a play in which Martinez pitched it after he ran for five plus yards.

Nebraska can still win their division if the Michigan State Spartans lose an upcoming conference game, if not they will finish just beyond them in pursuit of a Big Ten Championship appearance. 

Penn State Has Two-Headed Backfield Monster

Stephfon Green ran for two touchdowns on top of 71 yards on 17 carries. However the starting back Silas Redd had a decent game as well.

Redd could not find the end zone, but he did run for 53 yards on 15 carries. These two solid players are the studs of the Nittany Lion offense and without them, they often get stopped.

It will be interesting to see them develop as receivers in the passing game with Ohio State and Wisconsin both upcoming on the schedule.

Special Teams and Field Position Was Vital

Penn State's second drive came up short on a missed field goal from Anthony Fera and freshman Brett Maher ended up making a game-changing field goal. 

It was not the game-winning kick, but the Huskers found ways to win the battle of field position. 

Maher is a tremendous punter who had a 45 yard punt average today on his eight punts, but the Huskers were able to force the turnovers when need be. 

Both teams had a turnover a piece, but Nebraska second touchdown was all set up by a huge sack and forced fumble by Cameron Meredith. 

If Penn State could have held onto the ball and avoid making the critical mistake, they could have come out victorious. 

Rally Came Up Short

Give a ton of props to Tom Bradley who miraculously put together a solid game plan against the Huskers. Despite the struggles, they battled back and found a way to come back and nearly win.

They took some gambles and even went for it on 4th-and-1 to go. They got stuffed and only had one last chance to to tie the game up with a field goal. 

The game came down to a Matt McGloin that was knocked away just past midfield. PSU was at their own 46-yard line and they did not have enough time in the pocket to heave it towards the end zone. The game had ended and Penn State's comeback victory fell just short.

Postgame, Final Thoughts

Many players were a bit emotional after the game stating that something was clearly missing. The loss of Joe Paterno may keep this team from winning another game this season, but time will tell if they can bounce back in time for Ohio State next weekend.

The biggest news quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno who broke down towards the end of his interview. Having to coach this game without one of the greatest legends of all-time was not easy to watch. 

The team played well through the first few drives, but as the game progressed they struggled until the third quarter. They came out on fire in the third quarter offensively, but it was not enough to pull off the upset.

They trailed 17-0 and most expected them to get blown out, but they fought back and played for the victims, Penn State University as well as themselves.

Today's game was one of the more unusual, disheartening and difficult things to watch, but it was something that everybody go through together despite the loss.