Opportunities missed in loss

OSU's game against Nebraska turned in to exactly what most people predicted it wouldn't — a shootout.

The Cowboys endured a 51-41 loss to the Cornhuskers and saw their undefeated season come to an end.

OSU (6-1, 2-1 Big 12) had success against Nebraska (6-1, 2-1 Big 12) on offense but one of its biggest weaknesses was the ability to convert on third downs, finishing 3-for-13.

"I think that's the difference in the game to be honest," junior quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "They converted on third down and we didn't. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight because of third-down execution."

Although the third down conversions aided the Cowboys' downfall, it wasn't the only factor. In the first quarter, the special teams coverage allowed a fourth-down conversion on a fake punt which resulted in a touchdown and OSU also allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown.

OSU's passing game was successful against the No. 1 pass defense in the country. Two receivers finished the game with more than 100 receiving yards.  Blackmon had five receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns and Josh Cooper had nine receptions for 103 yards. The Nebraska defense hadn't allowed a single 100-yard receiver all season.

"They're No. 1 in pass defense in the country and they have four guys that are extremely good in man coverage …we haven't seen corners like that, these guys were good," offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said.

Kendall Hunter dominated the rushing attack with 26 carries for 201 yards, the first time since 2007 a running back has earned more than 200 yards against the Nebraska "Blackshirt" defense.

But even with OSU's sporadic successes, Nebraska's defensive prowess was evident in certain categories. The Huskers prevented OSU from scoring on its opening drive of the second half for the first time this season.

OSU went into the second half trailing 34-27. But the Cowboys have been known for being a second-half team but NU prevented the Cowboys from gaining  momentum, which stemmed from an inability to get NU quarterback  Taylor Martinez off the field.

"Early in the game we put pressure on him and we bounced him out of the pocket …We got him out of rhythm and forced a fumble but then we allowed him to get back into a rhythm by not making tackles," coach Mike Gundy said. "When you compete against a quarterback who has that good of feet you just gotta get him down."

The Cowboys' defense was  unable to wrap up and finish tackles for most of the game.

"We just kept our heads down and lunged and tried to take the kill shot when we just needed to break down and wrap up and we would've probably been good today," senior defensive end Ugo Chinasa said.

But the Cowboys do not see this loss as an end to their Big 12 Championship hopes.

"We have a lot to play for we have to just keep working hard," junior defensive end Richetti Jones said.  "… and tackle better."