COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Nebraska Outruns Washington State : Nonconference: Frazier, freshman lead way as Cornhuskers rush for 428 yards in 35-21 victory.

It was not the usual dominating performance by No. 2 Nebraska, although it was more than enough for Washington State.

The Cornhuskers (5-0) got three touchdowns from quarterback Tommie Frazier and 176 yards and a score from freshman tailback Ahman Green to beat the Cougars, 35-21, on Saturday.

In a game that matched the nation’s best ground attack and the fourth-best rush defense, Nebraska piled up 259 rushing yards by halftime and finished with 428. The Cougars had allowed only 69.7 rushing yards in three games.

“They are supposed to be a top rushing defense and we were gaining big chunks of yardage,” Frazier said. “I was just looking at them and shaking my head because I couldn’t believe it after seeing them on film and we were popping big plays.”

The Nebraska offense that averaged 60 points and 688 yards was sporadic. After punting only seven times in four games, Nebraska kicked to Washington State four times and lost three fumbles.

Nebraska won’t play again until Oct. 14 against Missouri.

“We’re going into the open date with a better attitude than if we had won by 48 or 49,” Coach Tom Osborne said. “They understand we’re not there yet, but we can get there.”

Junior Damon Benning started at tailback and finished with 62 yards, but Green stole the spotlight. His touchdown with 27 seconds left in the third quarter came after he had already broken runs of 36 and 54 yards against a swarming Cougar defense.

“Ahman showed us a lot today,” Osborne said. “He’s got that extra step. He played awfully well for a freshman. Three or four weeks ago, he couldn’t have done this but he’s growing up.”

Washington State quarterback Chad Davis was sharp, completing 20-of-37 attempts for 278 yards and two touchdowns to Shawn Tims. Davis was four for five for 84 yards on the Cougars’ eight-play, 90-yard drive capped by his 33-yard scoring strike to Tims with 12:14 remaining in the game.

Frank Madu had 90 yards rushing, including an 87-yard touchdown. Washington State could do little else on the ground, finishing with 72 yards rushing. Except for Madu’s run, Washington State finished with minus-15 rushing yards. Washington State Coach Mike Price said he was proud of his team.

“I’m not discouraged at all,” he said. “It can be very discouraging playing this football team. They can get on top of you and break your will.”