Behind a quick NSU defensive touchdown and three other interceptions, Nebraska State jumped out early and held on to defeat the Oklahoma State Cowboys Saturday 23-17.

On OSU's third play from scrimmage, NSU cornerback Bryon Scott jumped in front of a flare pass to OSU running back Cook and sprinted untouched for a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown. Andrew Garrison stole another OSU pass and Lee Hodges picked off two more...all before the end of the first quarter.

"The team was furious to have both Corso and Herbstreit pick OSU to win in our home stadium and the defense came out stoked," said NSU head coach Ryan Ditka.

The result of those four interceptions was a 13-0 lead after one. Bryon Harrell, an unsung hero for most of the season, was perfect again in nailing three long distance field goals as NSU took a 16-3 halftime edge.

"Bryon has been automatic for us all season long. A real asset to have," Ditka said of senior kicker. Harrell is 11 of 13 this season with a long of 58.

A week removed from trouncing Missouri on the ground, OSU was prepare for the NSU running game as NSU was held to -12 yards on the ground. Scott Franklin, who had a season high in yards last weekend, was held to a season low 14 yards on 13 carries, but did score a three-yard touchdown in the third quarter that capped the NSU scoring.

OSU stormed back in the third quarter with scoring drives of 14 and 10 plays to cut the lead to 23-17 with the entire fourth quarter to play. The teams exchanged fumbles with OSU's coming on the Prairie Dog 24-yard line. An incompletion, a sack and a penalty pushed NSU back for a 56-yard field goal attempt with just over a minute to play. Harrell nailed his fourth field goal of the day, but a holding penalty negated the score and left OSU trailing by six.

NSU punted on the next play and the defense stiffened and turned the Cowboys back in four straight plays.

The win moves NSU to 4-3 on the season heading into a showdown with #1 and #3 Texas aTm in College Station next weekend. The Aggies have won seven in a row and is the top ranked team in the media poll. In another game of interest for both schools, #9 Nebraska will take its undefeated record into Norman for a rivalry game against the #16 Oklahoma Sooners.