Huskers pull away late to beat North Dakota 38-17

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - The Huskers beat North Dakota 38-17 in their first home of the season. They hosted North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Memorial Stadium, a FCS program. One that plays some really good competition. Hard to make any firm conclusions on Nebraska following this game.

A mixed performance in the first quarter, Casey Thompson was 5-6 on the first drive for 68 yards. Anthony Grant finished off the 87 yard drive with a 19 yard touchdown run. Put the Huskers up 7-0. Casey Thompson though was hit and fumbled later in the quarter, he took a quick trip to the tent and returned to the game.

In the second quarter with the score still 7-0, Timmy Bleekrode who transferred from Furman, attempted his first field goal of the season. His 37 yarded was wide left. At the end of the half, North Dakota went for it on fourth and two inside the Huskers ten yard line, the Fighting Hawks picked it up. Two plays later from the one, Tommy Schuster found a wide open Adam Zavalney for a game tying touchdown. Boos at Memorial Stadium as the half ended.

Third quarter, Nebraska received the kickoff and went 75 yards in six plays, Nate Boerkircher scored his first career touchdown, a former walk-on, Huskers led 14-7. After the two teams traded field goals, Casey Thompson threw an interception in his own end. The Fighting Hawks returned it to the eight yard line. Tyler Hoosman scored two plays later to tie the game again. Less than two minutes later, Anthony Grant scored a 46 yard touchdown on the ground. His second of the game.

Fourth quarter, Ajay Allen scored his first career touchdown, a 14 yard run for the true freshman. Finally a comfortable lead, 31-17. Chancellor Brewington caught a late touchdown to make it 38-17. The final score does not tell the story, it was up for grabs for more than 50 minutes.

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