Minnesota jumped on Nebraska' s woeful pass defense on the Gophers first possession, with Eric Carter catching a 24 yard touchdown pass to give Minnesota a 7-0 lead. Nebraska's Terrell Newby answered with a 69 yard run off of a zone read play to tie the game at 7-7. After Nate Gerry forced a Minnesota turnover, Tommy Armstrong found Alonzo Moore in the end zone for 32 yard touchdown to give Nebraska a 14-7 lead after the first quarter.
While the Huskers had success stopping Minnesota's running backs, the Gopher receivers were running wide open consistently. Drew Brown kicked a 45 yard ield goal to open the second quarter.