Running back Burkhead blasts through defense, leads Nebraska in win

Last year, Iowa State came into Nebraska territory and dealt the Cornhuskers a heart-breaking loss.

This time around, the Huskers returned the favor.

Nebraska secured a 31-30 victory over the Cyclones when cornerback Eric Hagg intercepted holder Daniel Kuehl's pass on a fake extra point in overtime. The Huskers were again sloppy against Iowa State, fumbling five times and losing two, but NU's 235 rushing yards made up for many of the mistakes.

Leading the ground game was running back Rex Burkhead, who set career-highs in both carries (20) and rushing yards (129) and ran for two scores, including a 19-yard scoring scamper to start the overtime period.

"He is a manchild," quarterback Cody Green said. "He goes out there, and he runs, and he runs with a passion."

The Huskers placed much more emphasis on their running backs against the Cyclones because of injuries to their top two quarterbacks. Coach Bo Pelini said both Taylor Martinez (ankle) and Zac Lee (hand) were available to play, but neither was at 100 percent and were to be used only if necessary.

That left the starting job to sophomore Cody Green, who made two starts last year but hadn't played in NU's previous three games. Also forcing the Huskers to the ground game was a biting wind that made passing a risky proposition.

So the Huskers leaned on Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr., who complemented the former with 99 yards on the ground. In an attempt to take pressure off Green, NU also unveiled its version of the Wildcat formation, which features two running backs in the backfield, one of whom takes the direct snap, with the quarterback spread out wide.

The Huskers used the formation once last year, with great success, in the Holiday Bowl against Arizona. But the coaches had kept the Wildcat in their back pocket this year until it was needed, and it worked brilliantly Saturday against the Cyclones.

"There's a lot of stuff in the offense that we have and different things we practice and we rep until we need to bring them out," running backs coach Tim Beck said. "(The running backs) want to run the ball, and I know they felt like we needed to do that to take pressure off of Cody."

Burkhead said that the running backs were excited to get the opportunity to break out the seldom-used formation against Saturday.

"As a running back, or whatever position you are, you kind of want the ball in your hands and make plays, when the coaches put their trust and confidence in you," Burkhead said. "The coaches drew up a great game plan this week. Coach (Shawn) Watson and Coach Beck really had us ready to go. It's fun."

Watson showered praise on his star running back after Burkhead's third career 100-yard game.

The sophomore rushed for 104 yards against Washington in September and 100 last year against Colorado.

"I just love his competitiveness," Watson said. "He embraces everything you give. He's like, ‘No big deal.' He has a great demeanor about himself on the competitive side."

Burkhead came into the game in a bit of a slump. In NU's three previous games, he had rushed for just 80 yards on 21 carries. His average of 3.8 yards per carry was well below his season average of 6.1.

But with 104 yards and a score heading into the extra period, there was no doubt in Watson's mind which player should have the ball in his hands.

"He's just going to find a way to make a play. He was hot today," Watson said. "Having him in there on that play, it was a play really made for him and what he does best."

danhoppen@dailynebraskan.com