Andrew Marshall on Nebraska’s Mindset Shift, Turnover Surge in Win Over Northwestern

After a two-week turnover drought, Nebraska’s defense came alive, and Andrew Marshall was at the heart of it. From a mindset overhaul to a game-sealing play, Marshall reveals how preparation, grit, and a “full 60-minute fight” fueled the Huskers’ 28-21 win over Northwestern.

Nebraska defensive back Andrew Marshall | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Nebraska’s (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) 28-21 win over Northwestern (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) wasn’t just a bounce-back; it was a statement.

Defensive back Andrew Marshall credits the victory to a renewed team mentality, forged in the aftermath of a frustrating loss to Minnesota. With a focus on playing a “full 60-minute game” and embracing a gritty, fight-first philosophy, the Huskers' defense delivered when it mattered most.

Marshall offers a detailed look into the preparation that led to two pivotal second-half turnovers, including his own game-sealing play and teammate Donovan Jones's first career interception.

On the game’s final defensive snap, a critical fourth-and-six, Marshall found himself “on the island” in a cover-one scheme, tasked with eliminating the inside route and daring the quarterback to deliver a flawless throw. The receiver ran a deceptive “slide and go” pattern, but Marshall stayed disciplined, first “denying the slant” and then “playing through the hands” on the fade to break up the pass and seal the win.

Reflecting on the moment, Marshall emphasized the mental edge required in isolation coverage: “You know we talk a lot about just, you know, when the hat’s on your head, just making the play.”

Marshall pointed to a clear shift in team mentality as the driving force behind Nebraska’s win over Northwestern, contrasting it with the previous loss to Minnesota, where he felt the team “took your foot off the gas.” That letdown became fuel for the week’s preparation, with a “full 60-minute game” emerging as the central emphasis.

Marshall described the response as “tremendously,” and noted how the concept of “fighting” evolved into a genuine, team-wide mindset. That renewed focus paid off in the second half, as the defense broke a two-game turnover drought with key plays from Javin Wright and Jones. Marshall called the turnovers “big” and recalled sprinting from the 30-yard line to the end zone to celebrate.

These weren’t lucky breaks. They were the product of strategic preparation, with the defense identifying Northwestern’s top targets and “taking advantage of it… in a big way.”

The junior defensive back consistently emphasized the role of preparation in Nebraska’s defensive success against Northwestern, crediting it for enabling the team to execute a complete game plan and neutralize the Wildcats’ top offensive threat. He singled out the scout team’s impact during practice, noting they “gave us a great look of what it was going to look like,” which helped simulate game conditions and sharpen execution.

Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Andrew Marshall makes a tackle against Cincinnati. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

That preparation translated directly to performance, with Marshall affirming, “Coming into the game, I felt like we were prepared to play a full 60 minutes, which we did.”

Nebraska’s win over Northwestern wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was a reflection of growth, grit, and a defense that responded to adversity with purpose. Marshall’s insights reveal a unit that leaned into preparation, embraced a “fighting” mentality, and executed when the moment demanded it most. From breaking a turnover drought to sealing the game on fourth down, the Huskers’ defense delivered a complete performance that sets a new standard moving forward.

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