As poorly as the Huskers have played up to this point, they’ll have a real shot to win this game in the fourth quarter.

The Nebraska defense has been stingy — despite giving up an 80-yard touchdown run to Venric Mark. Northwestern’s still trying to attack vertically through the air (and receivers are gaining some separation), but so far, the Huskers have avoided giving up another big play.

It appears that the NU offense has found its rhythm a bit, almost exclusively relying a ground game to move the football. The Huskers are averaging 6.6 yards per carry in the second half. Taylor Martinez had eight third-quarter rushing attempts. Expect more of that in the fourth.

Other observations…

>> Nebraska’s offense has found some success running the football on the short side of the field against the weak-side of the Northwestern defense. Clearly, that was a halftime adjustment by the Huskers. They just haven’t been able to convert on third downs to sustain their drives (0-for-3 this half).

>> Two great punts by Brett Maher in this quarter. Twice he booted the football inside the Northwestern 10-yard line, pinning the Wildcats deep.

>> If Rex Burkhead’s out of the locker room and on Nebraska’s sideline, he’s not in uniform. Have yet to spot the injured senior I-back.

>> Receiver Quincy Enunwa has removed his pads and is sitting on the NU bench. Looks to be battling some type of injury. Had had his torso wrapped up midway through the third.