Rex Burkhead enjoyed one of the finest games of his career and Nebraska’s defense turned in a dominant effort en route to a 20-7 victory over Iowa on Friday.

A junior running back, Burkhead broke a school record with 38 carries and rushed for 160 yards, 10 short of his career high for the Huskers (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten), who outgained the Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-4) 385-270, with many of those yards coming against relaxed coverage in the final minutes.

Burkhead secured the game – and the first-ever Corn Bowl Trophy awarded for this new conference rivalry – on his only touchdown run of early in the fourth quarter to increase the lead to 20-0. He became only the seventh player in school history to score at least 17 touchdowns in a single season.

However, he was pulled down awkwardly on the score and did not return until the final snap of the game in order to break the record.

Iowa entered this contest averaging over 30 points and nearly 400 yards, but could not solve a Nebraska defense that forced seven punts and two turnovers – a solid rebound effort after surrendering 45 points and 418 total yards in a loss to Michigan last Saturday.

With their regular season complete, the Huskers are likely bound for a New Year’s Day bowl game, possibly the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2.

Marcus Coker, the second-leading rusher in the Big Ten prior to this game, finished with 87 rushing yards and scored a late touchdown for Iowa to avoid the shutout.