Helu runs for 307 yards, 3 long TDs as Nebraska routs Missouri

LINCOLN, Neb. - Roy Helu Jr. set a Nebraska record with 307 yards rushing Saturday to lead No. 14 Nebraska to a 31-17 victory that knocked No. 6 Missouri from the ranks of the unbeatens.

The senior broke the record of 294 yards by Calvin Jones against Kansas in 1991.

The Huskers (7-1, 3-1 Big 12) held off Missouri after building a 24-0 lead and moved into a first-place tie with the Tigers (7-1, 3-1) in the Big 12 North.

Missouri was off to its best start since 1960. The Tigers have lost 17 straight road games against Top 25 opponents since 1997.

"No one likes to lose," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "We've got to coach better. We lost all of our timeouts in the third quarter. Shoot, are you kidding me? That starts with me."

Helu ran for touchdowns of 66, 73 and 53 yards and had 228 yards on his first 10 carries.

"I can't explain how much I feel for my linemen and fullback," Helu said. "They deserve as much credit as I do. I know the focus is on the record and the individual, but it's a team sport."

The Huskers played without quarterback Taylor Martinez in the second half after he came up hobbling following a hit from Kenji Jackson on a run late in the second quarter. Zac Lee took over to start the third quarter. Coach Bo Pelini said Martinez had a bruised right leg and should be able to play next week at Iowa State.

Martinez threw a 40-yard TD to Kyler Reed in the first quarter to make it 17-0.

Nebraska showed a three-man defensive front for the first time and put heavy pressure on Blaine Gabbert, holding him to 18-for-42 passing for 199 yards. He was sacked six times.- AP