LINCOLN, NEB. – Nebraska leads the Gophers 21-7 at halftime. A few quick first-half takeaways:

* The Gophers had their biggest special teams disaster of the season late in the second quarter, as a blocked field goal turned into an 85-yard touchdown return for Nebraska.

Trailing 14-7, the Gophers took over at their 13-yard line and marched 74 yards on 11 plays. Ryan Santoso lined up a 30-yard field goal, and the 6-6 Randy Gregory blocked it. Corey Cooper bobbled the ball, but Nate Gerry picked it up and brought it all the way back.

Instead of trailing 14-10, the Gophers suddenly trailed 21-7.

* Nebraska knew it needed to give Tommy Armstrong Jr., some confidence, and he has established a rhythm completing 8 of 13 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Ameer Abdullah, running with an injured knee, has eight carries for 31 yards.

* Mitch Leidner has been more effective as a rusher than a passer. He is four of 10 for 54 yards through the air, and has 11 rushes for 70 yards. The Gophers don't have a reception by a wide receiver – a problem last week, too.

David Cobb has 12 rushes for 52 yards and two receptions for 29 yards.

* Nebraska had a rough first quarter injury-wise. Starting center Mark Pelini, nephew of coach Bo Pelini, hobbled off with a leg injury. Fellow senior Kenny Bell appeared to suffer a concussion at the end of his 73-yard reception.

Gregory hobbled off after Mitch Leidner scored on a one-yard sneak, though Gregory soon returned. And wide receiver Alonzo Moore got injured, too.