Quarterback Joe Ganz was busy stinking up the first half for Nebraska, but came back in the second half to lead his fellow Cornhuskers to a 26-21 win over Clemson in the Gator Bowl New Year’s Day (1-1). -09). Despite his ugly first half, Ganz went home with the Most Valuable Player trophy.

Ganz’s first-half play nearly caused his supporters to disband their fan club. A quarterback fumble late in the first half was returned for a 28-yard touchdown, and an interception in the last minute of the half led to a 63-yard return and another touchdown. Ganz gave Clemson a 14-3 halftime lead.

Ganz then led Nebraska to a 20-point third quarter and a 23-21 lead. He found Nate Swift for a 17-yard touchdown run and connected with Todd Peterson for a 19-yard score. Both TDs came on third-and-long situations. Ganz was 10 of 15 for 133 yards in the second half and finished the game going 19 of 36 for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns.

He then took a hit that sent him into the next week, causing Joe “Take 5” with a mild concussion. His replacement quickly fumbled and Clemson rallied and scored another TD, so Clemson’s 3 TDs came on Nebraska turnovers. Ganz would return, and Nebraska would hold on to win 26-21.

The signal’s senior caller was not alone in the scoring effort. Sophomore Alex Henery kicked 4 field goals, 3 in the second half. Sophomore backup Quentin Castille picked up 125 rushing yards, and the Cornhusker defense held Clemson to just 91 yards in the critical second half. Their “D” also had 5 sacks and kept the Tigers’ running game in check.

Take away the Nebraska turnovers that led to the scores and Clemson wouldn’t have scored on its own. Clemson could have won the first half 14-3, but Nebraska won the second half 23-7 and the game.

The win was huge for first-year coach Bo Pelini. He inherited a struggling 5-7 team and turned it around with a 9-4 season finale and Nebraska’s first bowl victory in 9 long years. Clemson finished at 7-6, barely above water.

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley