LINCOLN, NEB. ? On a day when Cory Ross was about all the offense Nebraska could muster, the Cornhuskers came away from their 24-3 victory over Missouri with sole possession of the Big 12 North lead and a renewed sense of confidence.

Ross’s 194 yards accounted for all but 41 of the Huskers’ total yards Saturday. Missouri outgained them 328-235 and held a 19-8 edge in first downs.

Nebraska (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) turned to its defense and special teams to deny Missouri its first win in Lincoln since 1978. The Tigers (4-4, 2-3) lost their third straight.

“We needed this because we’ve struggled so much this year,” Ross said. “This time we fought and stayed into the game for four quarters. There have been so many negatives around us. We wanted to make something positive happen.”