A quarter-by-quarter look at Clemson's 26-21 loss to Nebraska in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl

First quarter

Clemson 0, Nebraska 0

Key moment: Facing a third down-and-17 from his 3-yard line, Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper swaps field position with a 46-yard catch-and-run pass over the middle to Jacoby Ford. The play moved the football out to the 49-yard line.

The man: Clemson linebackers coach David Blackwell. As the game’s co-defensive coordinator, Blackwell, who is responsible for play calls, confused Nebraska’s high-powered offense with a wide variety of blitzes, limiting them to 46 yards on 14 plays.

Time of possession: Clemson 8:04, Nebraska 6:56

Second quarter

Clemson 14, Nebraska 3

Key moment: Following a Harper interception that gave the Huskers the football at the Clemson 32 with 1:05 to go in the half, cornerback Crezdon Butler stepped in front of a Joe Ganz pass and returned it 63 yards to the Nebraska 13. Two plays later, Harper throws a 25-yard pass to Aaron Kelly, who makes a great adjustment for the ball for a diving catch in the end zone and a 14-3 Clemson lead.

The man: Clemson linebacker DeAndre McDaniel times a Ganz option-pitch perfectly and tips it away from running back Quentin Castille. McDaniel picks up the loose ball and then returns it 28 yards for Clemson’s first touchdown.

Time of possession: Nebraska 9:54, Clemson 5:06

Third quarter

Nebraska 23, Clemson 21

Key moment: Following a Nebraska touchdown that cut Clemson’s lead to 14-10, Nebraska holds the Tigers to a three-and-out and forces a punt. But Niles Paul muffs the punt, and Clemson’s Chad Diehl recovers at the Clemson 44. After a penalty, Harper hits Ford in stride for a 41-yard touchdown pass that puts the Tigers ahead 21-10 with 10:06 to play in the third quarter.

The man: After a rough first half, Ganz rebounds to throw two touchdowns while completing 5-of-7 passes for 90 yards. He had touchdown throws of 17 and 19 yards to give the Huskers a 23-21 lead.

Time of possession: Nebraska 8:27; Clemson 6:33

Final

Nebraska 26, Clemson 21

Key moment: Kelly catches a 17-yard Harper pass at the Nebraska 10-yard line with a little more than two minutes to go to put Clemson in position, but two plays later Harper takes a 16-yard sack, knocking the Tigers out of easy scoring range.

The man: Nebraska reserve free safety Matt O’Hanlon makes a game-saving play by knocking what would have been a game-winning touchdown out of the hands of Clemson running back C.J. Spiller in the end zone on third-and-goal from the 25-yard line.

Time of possession: Nebraska 8:54, Clemson 6:06