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Martin: Final thoughts on Nebraska's battle with Purdue

Martin: Final thoughts on Nebraska's battle with Purdue
Posted at 6:15 PM, Oct 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-22 19:16:22-04

I've gotten quite accustomed to starting these post-game stories with this statement: it wasn't pretty, but it was a win. The Huskers had flashbacks of a season ago when a banged up team was handed a 55-45 loss to a team with a coach whom had not yet won a Big Ten game at home. However, the Huskers did what they've done all year: close. 

The Huskers were miserable offensively. The big men up front couldn't get anything resembling a hole open all afternoon. Left tackle Nick Gates, at times, looked like he could barely walk due to an ankle injury he's been dealing with for the past few weeks.

Right tackle David Knevel was also dealing with an ankle injury and was eventually replaced by Cole Conrad. This unit is, for lack of a better phrase, on its last leg. Nebraska can not afford another injury up front with road games against two of the best defensive lines in the conference coming up.

Tommy Armstrong overthrew a couple of wide-open deep-balls, but his receivers continue to help him out by running nearly perfect routes. Wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El showed he's still a threat in the passing game after catching two balls on slant routes that net 63-yards. Brandon Reilly continuously bails Nebraska out in third-and-long situations with his speed and ability to come back to the ball.

Defensively, Nebraska came out flat. Other than a Kieron Williams interception on the first play from scrimmage, Purdue quarterback David Blough had the key to Lockdown U in the first half. Blough completed 16 of his 20 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in that time period. 

The secondary picked things up in the second half as Blough completed just nine of his 23 passes. Nebraska's rush defense was stout, holding Purdue to just 31 yards on the ground. Much of that had to do with Purdue's success through the air, but in this game, Nebraska will take it's wins where it can get them. 

The front-four finally got some pressure on the quarterback with both Kevin Maurice and Ross Dzuris picking up sacks. 

The player of the game does not go to an offensive or defensive player, but to true freshman punter Caleb Lightbourne. Lightbourne pinned Purdue inside its own 20 countless times, saving the Huskers from themselves. 

Pierson-El still had no room to work with on punt returns. Nebraska has desperately needed that X-factor on its special teams, and will desperately need it in the upcoming weeks.

Next week is where Nebraska fans will find out what kind of a season this will be. A 7-0 start is great, but the opportunity for a truly special season is still on the line. A Big Ten Championship, College Football Playoff berth, and heck, even a national championship is still within Nebraska's grasp. But I promise you, Wisconsin and Ohio State will not make things easy on Nebraska.

Next week, the Huskers travel to Camp Randall to take on the Wisconsin Badgers at 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Time to find out what this team is truly made of. 

For continuing coverage of Nebraska football, follow @OSIsports on Twitter, check back with OmahaSportsInsider.com and tune into KMTV and AM 590 ESPN Omaha. 

Contact the writer:

Twitter: @TylerMartinOSI

Email: Tyler.Martin@KMTV.com