Marsh's 44-Yard TD Catch Lifts Indiana Past Nebraska, 20-17

Nick Marsh caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Hoover on fourth-and-1, giving No. 7 Indiana its first lead of the game in a 20-17 victory over Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, according to the Associated Press.

What happened on the game-winning play?

Facing fourth-and-1 at the Nebraska 44-yard line, Indiana lined up with an extra offensive lineman in a tightly bunched formation, a look that drew the Cornhuskers defense toward the line of scrimmage in anticipation of a run, the AP reported. Instead, Hoover floated a pass to a wide-open Marsh, who caught it behind the secondary and ran untouched into the end zone.

How did Nebraska build its lead?

Nebraska controlled most of the afternoon. The Cornhuskers led 10-3 at halftime, the AP noted, marking the first time all season Indiana trailed after two quarters. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea extended that advantage early in the fourth quarter with a 39-yard touchdown run, putting Nebraska ahead 17-6.

How did Indiana answer in the fourth quarter?

• Early fourth quarter: Colandrea's 39-yard touchdown run gives Nebraska a 17-6 lead.
• Next possession, first play: Hoover and Marsh connect on a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown to cut the deficit.
• Indiana defense forces a stop on Nebraska's following possession.
• Fourth-and-1 at the Nebraska 44: Hoover's pass to Marsh covers 44 yards for the go-ahead score, putting Indiana ahead 20-17.

What is Indiana's record now, and how long is its win streak?

The victory improved Indiana to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, extending the defending national champion Hoosiers' winning streak to 22 games, according to the AP.

What does the result mean for Nebraska?

Nebraska fell to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. The loss marked the Cornhuskers' 31st consecutive defeat against a ranked opponent, the AP reported, a stretch that has spanned fourth-year coach Matt Rhule's tenure as he seeks what the wire service described as a program-turning victory.

How are coaches describing the finish?

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti addressed the team's ability to close out close games in postgame comments carried by the AP, which noted good teams find ways to win at the end. The Hoosiers' comeback, built on a trick-formation fourth-down conversion and a long touchdown connection between Hoover and Marsh, kept Indiana unbeaten through six weeks of the season.

For the full game account, including additional plays and quotes, see the original Associated Press report via ESPN.