UCLA, favored by a touchdown, methodically marched down the field to take a 7–0 lead on its opening drive. The Cornhuskers answered with a twelve-play drive to tie the game, but could not slow down the Bruins offense for much of the first half. On the ensuing drive, Nebraska safety
Nate Gerry was ejected for targeting, though both coaches agreed the play should not have been penalized. The Cornhuskers maintained control to start the second half, holding UCLA to a single yard of offense on six plays in the third quarter. It allowed NU to extend its lead to nine points, which became sixteen less than a minute into the fourth quarter when a three-yard Armstrong touchdown brought the Nebraska run to thirty unanswered points. Rosen led a quick touchdown drive and a successful two-point conversion to make it a one-possession game; UCLA drove into NU territory twice more as time wound down, but came away scoreless after a missed field goal and an interception, allowing Nebraska to run out the clock on a 37–29 victory.
Scoring summary Team statistics ==Starting lineups==