GAME: ISU 9, NEB 7

Lincoln, Neb. — It took 32 years and eight Husker turnovers, but the Cyclones are finally victorious in Memorial Stadium.

With the Huskers on a potential game winning drive, the Cyclones forced the eighth Husker  turnover of the game, an interception by ISU linebacker Jesse Smith with just over a minute to play. The turnover helped seal a 9-7 win for a Cyclones team that pulled out their first win in Lincoln, Neb. since 1977 — and they did it with out their starting quarterback and running back.

The win leaves Iowa State just one win away from bowl eligibility.

The Cyclones were out gained 362 yards to 240, but their defense came up with big play after big play down the stretch to keep the Huskers off the board.

Check back for updates after the press conference.

The Daily blogged live from the press box in Memorial Stadium for the Cyclones match up with the Huskers.

Nebraska to get final shot – 4th Quarter (4:12): ISU 9, NEB 7

Iowa State is forced to punt after its drive stalled near mid-field. The drive was effective from the stand point of running time off the clock, as the Cyclones wasted more than eight minutes of clock. Here we go. Cross your fingers about that extra point.

Another kicking disaster – 4th Quarter (11:15): ISU 9, NEB 7

Grant Mahoney’s field goal attempt was blocked by Ndamukong Suh, and returned back to Iowa State’s 41 yard line. The defense again came up with a big stop, forcing a three and out and getting the ball back after a punt at its own 5-yard line.

Another fumble: ISU 9, NEB 7

That’s Nebraska’s fifth of the game, and gives the Cyclones the ball at the Nebraska 37-yard line after a personal foul by James Smith.

Heading to the 4th quarter: ISU 9, NEB 7

Iowa State is being out gained. Nebraska has 337 total yards compared to 161 for the Cyclones. But again, hand it to the ISU defense. It has come up with big plays to keep the Cyclones ahead, and given the team a shot to win for the first time in Lincoln, Neb. since 1977. You couldn’t ask for much more, given Iowa State’s best two offensive players are out of the game (not counting Brandtner of course, who’s 20 yard fake punt is the biggest rush in the game). Nebraska has the ball at its own 16-yard line to start the first drive of the quarter. Lets see if Iowa State can get one of those turnovers deep in Nebraska territory.

Fourth fumble – 3rd Quarter (4:00): ISU 9, NEB 7

Nebraska fumbled the ball, again, this time at Iowa State’s 6-yard line. Nate Frere ripped the ball from Dontrayevous Robinson, and James Smith recovered the ball. At this point Nebraska might be better off kicking field goals once it is in side the 30-yard line. Iowa State needs to get some points on the board from these turnovers, or hope the missed extra point doesn’t end up costing the Cyclones – but we know how that goes.

3rd Quarter: ISU 9, NEB 7

Another Nebraska fumble, this time at the ISU-5. The runner was initially ruled down by contact, but the play was reviewed and overturned. Iowa State defensive back Michael O’Connell initially picked up the fumble in the end zone and likely would have returned it for a touchdown. Unfortuneatly, because the runner was initially ruled down by contact, the Cyclones get the ball where it was recovered. In this case the endzone, so the Cyclones took over at the 20-yard line. The score could easily be ISU 15, NEB 7. Why 15? Let’s not assume extra points are gimmees.

HALF: ISU 9, NEB 7

And now, a Not Top-10 play. After a 73-yard pass play to wide receiver Niles Paul, James Smith dove at the legs of Paul who nimbly worked the sideline and stayed in bounds near the 13-yard line. As he worked to regain his balance, he dropped the ball, which rolled into the endzone, where it was recovered by Smith. It’s been an ugly game for Nebraska, who has turned the ball over three times. Its the only reason the Cyclones are leading, but you got to hand it to the opportunistic Iowa State defense.

2nd Quarter (6:53): It’s a fake…Cyclones take the lead 9-7

The Cyclones offense looked shut down, but Iowa State faked a punt, and Mike Brandtner had clear day light as he rushed 20 yards to the Nebraska 47. On the very next play Tiller hooked up on a 47-yard touchdown pass to Jake Williams – the longest pass play of the season. Unfortunetley, the extra point was blocked. But that’s almost to be expected these days. The Brandtner for Heismann chants, though, should be coming to Ames soon.

Ask and you shall receive

With Nebraska threating with about 10 minutes left in the half, ISU safety David Sims came up with a circus-like interception at the goal line, that he returned to about the 15-yard line. ESPN Top-10 plays? Maybe. Lets see if the Cyclones can get the offense going.

End of the 1st Quarter: NEB 7, ISU 3

The Cyclones offense struggled to get moving in the first quarter. Tiller didn’t complete a pass in the quarter, and only attempted two. It seems obvious early on the Cyclones hope to try and move the ball on the ground. Tiller rushed five times for 10 yards, and Schwartz rushed five times for 9 yards. They’ll have to get better production on offense to keep pace with the Huskers, or force some defensive turnovers.

1st quarter (3:26) Nebraska 7, Iowa State 3

Iowa State forced another fumble as Nebraska was driving, but failed to recover. Running back Dontrayevous Robinson finished off the drive with a 3-yard run to give the Huskers the lead.

1st quarter (13:24) Iowa State 3, Nebraska 0

Nebraska running back Roy Helu Jr. fumbled on Nebraska’s first play of the game. It was forced by Jesse Smith, and recovered by Kennard Banks. After three plays, Grant Mahoney nailed a 52-yard field goal to give Iowa State the early lead.