World-Herald staff writer Jon Nyatawa takes an in-depth look at the NU offense during the Huskers' 31-17 win over Missouri.

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NU STAR

Roy Helu. The explosive I-back gave Nebraska two big boosts early, flying down the sidelines on touchdown runs of 66 and 73 yards in the first quarter. He added a 53-yarder in the third, finishing with a school-record 307 yards on 28 carries.

HIGHLIGHT

This play has worked before. Kyler Reed, the speedy sophomore tight end, ran wide open on a deep post pattern, catching a 40-yard touchdown pass and giving NU a 17-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

BUSTED PLAY

Early in the second quarter, Taylor Martinez sprinted toward his right before suddenly reversing field. Bad idea. He had no blockers, and Tigers defensive end Aldon Smith was the only guy there. Smith brought Martinez down for a 7-yard loss.

OUR TAKE

Helu has seemed to be one of the forgotten playmakers in an offense tailored for Nebraska's talented running quarterback. But Martinez went down with an injury, and Helu saved the day. Without Helu's explosive gains and his powerful game-clinching runs on the final drive, the result could have been different. The Huskers looked sloppy in the game's middle, but they started — and finished — quite well. Plus, they didn't turn the ball over.

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• Video: Highlights from the NU-Missouri game:



• Video: Bo Pelini after the NU-Missouri game:



• Video: Roy Helu after the NU-Missouri game:



• Video: Jared Crick after the NU-Missouri game:



• Video: Ricky Henry after the NU-Missouri game:





• Video: Sights and sounds from the Missouri-Nebraska game: