Play of the Game: Pierson-El’s punt return

DOWN AND DISTANCE:

Iowa faced fourth and 10 at its 42

SCORE/TIME AT THE SNAP:

Iowa led 24-21, 12:25 left in the game

FORMATION AND PERSONNEL:

Iowa - traditional punt formation with five on the line, two wingbacks, two gunners, one fullback and a punter; Nebraska - Eight defenders along line of scrimmage, two covering gunners, De'Mornay Pierson-El back deep

WHAT HAPPENED:

Iowa punter Dillon Kidd kicked 38 yards to the Nebraska 20. Pierson-El fielded the punt, raced up the field for 80 yards and a go-ahead touchdown.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT:

The touchdown completed a 17-point comeback for the Cornhuskers, who took their first lead at that point.

THE QUOTE 1:

'I kind of knew everyone was floating to one side, so I cut back to the opposite side of the field and figured maybe I'd have a lane and maybe one or two people to beat. I didn't know that it was going to be that wide open, so I hit it as fast I (could). ... Once they kicked it to me I was like, ‘Seriously? Again?' I'm thankful for it. Thanksgiving was the other day, and that's what I'm thankful for. I told Coach if they give me one, I'll be thankful for it, and I made the best of it.” - Nebraska returner De'Mornay Pierson-Eli

THE QUOTE 2:

'We had a play. It didn't exactly work the way we hoped. And then you've got get down there and cover, too. You've got to disrupt him, can't let him get started upfield, which on those two he got a quick start and got going.” - Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz

THE QUOTE 3:

'They had double vice outside on our gunners and held them up really well, and they had some hold-up guys inside. All I can really say is execution. Fifteen (Pierson-El), he saw a gap and he took it. He doesn't hesitate. When he hits the gap, he hits it hard.” - Iowa linebacker Quinton Alston

THE QUOTE 4:

'He doesn't act like a freshman. He has a smile on his face, he loves the moment. He wants the ball in his hands. Let me tell you to be a freshman and return punts the way he does, that's not easy to do, and be fearless about it.” - Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini

THE ANALYSIS:

The snap was high but Kidd fielded the ball cleanly and booted the ball high between his right hash mark and the sideline at Nebraska's 20. Six Nebraska defenders rushed the punt, while two dropped off to match up with Iowa attackers. Right Iowa gunner Derrick Mitchell was blocked by Joshua Kalu, just two yards from Pierson-El. Iowa's left gunner, Akeem Wadley, ran into Mitchell. Pierson-El slid inside Mitchell and Wadley, then cut past Iowa's Josey Jewell and in seven steps saw open ground with eight Iowa defenders to his left. Pierson-El burst up the field until reaching Iowa's 30, where he was approached by Kidd and left upback Jordan Lomax. Pierson-El evaded both players and raced into the end zone.

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