IMPROMPTU, ICE-WATER BATH

Defensive backs coach George Darlington got a bucket of ice water poured on him after the game, in honor of his having been a part of 300 victories as a Cornhusker assistant.

“It really is amazing,” Darlington said of the victories, 255 under Tom Osborne and now 45 under Frank Solich. “First of all, you realize you’ve been blessed with a great program.

“It is exciting and a tribute to the program.”

Darlington said it was the first time he had ever had water dumped on him.

But “I can survive it if we keep winning,” he said.

Senior cornerback and co-captain DeJuan Groce accepted responsibility. He had not choice in the matter, Groce said. “That’s my coach. He’s taught me a lot.”

OVER 2,000 YARDS

Senior I-back Dahrran Diedrick carried 16 times for 93 yards to go over 2,000 for his career. He now ranks 21st on the school career-rushing list, with 2,049 yards.

Diedrick doesn’t begrudge the young I-backs getting opportunities.

“We’ve been playing a lot of running backs. I’m glad,” he said. “It’s just good to see all the I-backs getting on the field, doing the job.” Redshirted freshman Cory Ross carried nine times for 42 yards and scored his second touchdown of the season on a 13-yard run late in the third quarter.

A FEW FIRSTS, AND BESTS

Freshman split end Ross Pilkington had his first receptions at Nebraska, catching a pass from Jammal Lord good for 9 yards and another from Mike Stuntz good for 11 yards.

Senior split end Wilson Thomas had his first run from scrimmage, taking a Lord pass - that was backward and hence officially a lateral - and gaining 9 yards.

The play was Nebraska’s first from scrimmage in the game.

Kyle Larson’s 71-yard punt was a personal best. His previous best was a 68-yarder against Oklahoma last season. Josh Brown kicked a 44-yard field goal to open the scoring. The field goal was Brown’s fourth in four attempts this season. Three of the four have been 40 yards or longer.

Redshirted freshman nose tackles Le Kevin Smith and Titus Adams each had sacks, the first of their careers. Nebraska’s six sacks total were a season high.

CONTINUING DISTRACTION

Senior I-back Thunder Collins missed the Utah State game because of an extended suspension resulting from his violation of unspecified NCAA rules. Coach Frank Solich announced on the Wednesday before the game that Collins was being suspended for four games. He also was suspended for the Troy State game.

Collins is ineligible until the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Staff restores his eligibility. The NCAA could reduce or increase the number of games he is suspended.

According to a sports information office release, Collins’ violation did not involve a booster or anyone on the Nebraska staff. As a result, the university did not violate NCAA rules.

NO WASHINGTON

Cornerback Fabian Washington, a true freshman who started against Troy State as part of one of many situational defenses Nebraska uses, missed the game to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Washington, who is from Bradenton, Fla., was to return on the Sunday after the game.

FIREWORKS

Fireworks displays at halftime and after the game were in honor not only of the 250th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium but also to salute those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.