2017 Week 5

Tony Schifano threw four interceptions as #9 Nebraska built an insurmountable lead to win a wet I-80 Showdown 31-16 Saturday night.

Two late picks by Schifano capped any comeback hope for NSU, which closed a 14-point gap to 5 late in the third quarter. But Schifano's throwing errors allowed Nebraska to post 10 more points in the fourth to seal the game over the #19 Prairie Dogs.

"I'm disappointed we couldn't close the gap when had had a chance. Turnovers have been a huge problem this season and we will continue to lose games if we don't rectify that problem," said NSU coach Ryan Ditka.

Nebraska's Heisman contender had a couple of miscues of his own. Russell entered the game with a 16-1 td to int ratio, but the Husker signal caller threw two picks in the game, including a juggling catch by NSU's Scott. Slaughter intercepted Russell's other interception in the third.

Brown was also on his game for Nebraska. The senior running back pounded out 109 yards on 22 carries and a game-sealing one-yard touchdown in the fourth. Brown reached the end zone earlier in the game via a 53-yard pass from Russell that put NU up 21-7 in the second.

Franklin reached 100 yards for the first time this season, rushing for 104 yards on 14 attempts and scored early in the second quarter to put NSU on the board. Franklin also caught five passes for 30 yards.

DaMario Bates saw his first extensive playing time of the season. The freshman played in two complete series, one that resulted in Harrell's personal record 58-yard field goal. Bates was also in NSU's final series but missed on four desperation passes. Bates finished three of eight for 25 yards.

The loss drops NSU to 2-2 on the season and ruins any chance of climbing back into the national championship race after the loss to Buffalo two weeks ago. Nebraska remains unbeaten and in the driver's seat for the North Division title.