2017 Week 12

Nebraska State continued to improve after a three-game skid as the Prairie Dogs routed the lowly Kansas Jayhawks 65-21 Saturday in Lawrence.

NSU struck for 20 in the first quarter and cruised to a 44-0 halftime lead. All of the first quarter points resulted from KU turnovers, who totaled six in the game. Harrell netted the first two scores with field goals of 53 and 32. NSU found the end zone for the first time after a Kansas interception with Ratliff scoring the first touchdown of the game.

The lead climbed to 51-0 in the third before Kansas finally found the end zone. Franklin scored his fourth touchdown on the day on a two-yard blast midway through the third. That was the last play for the starters. Burnette capped the game on a three-yard run and NSU collected its sixth straight win after a falling three times earlier in the season.

Tony Schifano had a solid game for the Prairie Dogs against KU. Schifano completed 16 of 20 passes for two touchdowns and no picks. Franklin raced for 160 yards on 21 attempts. His four touchdowns equaled his career high. His other four-score days came against Southern Mississippi and Missouri, both earlier this season.

"Tonight was probably our first complete game," said NSU coach Ryan Ditka. "Aside from our two fumbles, we played solidly in all aspects tonight. Hopefully we can keep it going against Notre Dame next week."

Notre Dame enters the contest ranked 4th in the nation and hopes of making the National Championship game at season's end. NSU raises its record to 8-3 and should raise from its 25th national ranking.