The Washington Huskies came out strong in the first half, stunning Nebraska en route to a 10-7 halftime lead. The Huskies lead the Nebraska Cornhuskers despite zero completions from Washington quarterback Jake Locker in the first half. Locker finished the half 0-8 against Nebraska’s lockdown secondary, pushing his total against Nebraska to 4-27 on the year.
The Huskies had a chance to stretch the lead just before the half, but kicker Eric Folk badly missed a field goal as time wound down, leaving Washington to settle for a 10-7 lead. Still, for a team that was blown-out in Seattle by this same team, Washington should have their heads held high going into the locker room.
Washington used the punishing running of Chris Polk to move the chains in the first half. Polk finished with 18 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown, providing the only offense Washington could speak for. Running back Jesse Callier led the way in the passing game, completing a throw-back pass to Locker for 17 yards, setting up a Polk touchdown run.
On the other side of the ball, Nebraska’s passing game fared better despite quarterback Taylor Martinez’s shaky start. Martinez finished the half with 51 yards and a touchdown through the air and 35 yards on the ground. Martinez’s five passes have found five different receivers, with Kyler Reed’s 15-yard score leading the way.
Stay tuned to the Holiday Bowl for what promises to be an exciting second half with the game up for grabs through the first 20 minutes.