SPECIAL W Nebraska special teams boost Huskers over Sun Devils 48-10, NU gets much-needed "W". By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com The Nebraska Cornhuskers did what they had to do Saturday night against Arizona State. They won. They played well enough to beat the Sun Devils 48-10 in the Black Coaches Association Classic at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. But just as the Huskers have helped NU fans erase memories of the two bitterly disappointing losses of last season, there’s a long road to go. On Saturday night, the Cornhusker defense and special teams were on cue, especially in the second half. The Huskers blocked two Tim Parker punts, both leading to touchdowns. Freshman Fabian Washington intercepted a fourth-quarter pass and returned it for a score as well. So, the Husker special teams were responsible for 21 points Saturday night. The Nebraska defense held Arizona State to just 258 total yards. It was an impressive first-game performance by the Blackshirts. The Nebraska offense is another story. Another story because at times they looked rather green and unimpressive. However, Nebraska quarterback Jammal Lord shined in the harsh post-Crouch spotlight rushing for 103 yards. It was the first time a Husker quarterback rushed for over 100 yards in a first game starting role since Steve Taylor rushed for 138 yards back in 1986. NU I-Back Dahrran Diedrick rushed 18 times for 79 yards. Overall, the lopsided score of 48-10 is misleading to say the least. The Huskers managed just 316 total yards compared to ASU’s 258. Nebraska had 19 first downs to Arizona State’s 17. The Sun Devils passed for 175 yards, the Huskers just 33. But a victory is a victory nonetheless. The Huskers had huge pressure to perform well and win. Many elements of the team did just that. Arizona State seemed fairly impressive in the first half, however sputtered in the second. Nebraska football coach Frank Solich was impressed with Lord’s performance, considering the pressure he was under to come in and fill the shoes of the Heisman Trophy winner. Lord’s proud mother was shown often in the stands cheering for her son on the ESPN live coverage. So, the Huskers won. Yea, feels nice to say that. But there is work to be done before heading into the land of the Lions on September 14. Up next for the Huskers, Troy State this Saturday in Lincoln. Nebraska - Arizona St. Game Stories and Links Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP 08-25-02: Huskers eclipse Sun Devils Full Story From Omaha World Herald 08-25-02: Fabulous Fabian More From Lincoln Journal Star 08-25-02: Diedrick wants more More From Lincoln Journal Star 08-25-02: Nebraska defeats Arizona St. More From AP 08-25-02: Lord shows promise on option More From ESPN Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide Post Feedback