Ganz picks up Cornhuskers

. -- Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz was sprawled out on the ground, trainers huddled around him, teammates, coaches and fans wondering whether he would be able to continue playing.

Ganz eventually made his way to the sideline, cleared his head, got back in the game and ended up hoisting the Gator Bowl’s most valuable player trophy.

His comeback provided an appropriate ending for a Nebraska season in which the Cornhuskers enjoyed one of college football’s best turnarounds.

Ganz shook off a horrible first half and a slight concussion, threw for two touchdowns and led Nebraska to a 26-21 victory against Clemson in the Gator Bowl, giving the storied program plenty of optimism after Coach Bo Pelini’s first season.

“I’m proud of this group,” said Pelini, who replaced fired coach Bill Callahan after Nebraska finished 5-7 in 2007. “It’s been a tough 12 months, but there’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people and it’s paid off. Now, we’ve got to keep it going.”

Nebraska (9-4) ended the season with a four-game winning streak, including a victory over Colorado, and had success in a January bowl game for the first time in nine years.

“It’s starting to show how good they can be as a football team,” Pelini said.

Cornhuskers fans might have wanted to run Ganz out of Jacksonville at halftime. The senior had a fumble late in the first half that was returned 28 yards for a touchdown and threw an interception in the final minute that was returned 63 yards and led to another score.

The Tigers (7-6) took a 14-3 lead into the locker room, but Ganz brought Nebraska back with a 20-point third quarter. He also bounced back from that bone-crushing hit. Although Nebraska didn’t score a touchdown after his return, Ganz’s value was clear when backup Patrick Witt fumbled on his first play.

Clemson picked up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown and an apparent 27-23 lead, but officials overturned the call after review. Ganz was back the next series.

“When I stood up, I got a little dizzy,” Ganz said. “My first step was a little crooked. After that, I regained my senses. It took a little bit to get the fog out.”

Ganz had some help.

Alex Henery kicked four field goals, including three in the second half. Quentin Castille, filling in for injured starter Roy Helu Jr. (knee infection), ran for 125 yards. And Nebraska’s defense limited Clemson to 91 yards in the second half.