Clayton Thorson sprinted down the right sideline at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, cutting back inside at the 25 yard-line and weaving between defenders before a group of Cornhuskers pushed him out at the two yard-line.
It was a 68-yard gain for Thorson, the longest run of the year for the redshirt freshman. His nine rushes for 126 yards that afternoon in Lincoln — a 30-28 Northwestern win — highlighted what was overall an effective year for the quarterback running the ball. In an offense largely defined by Justin Jackson’s workhorse efforts and the passing game’s ineptitude, Thorson’s ground game stood as an encouraging spot, but also one he certainly should build upon going forward.