Senior Rod Johnson does not mind doing whatever is asked of him to help out the Oklahoma State defense.

Johnson started the majority of the past two seasons at middle linebacker. But Johnson switched to defensive end back in spring practice to bolster depth at the position.

In the past two weeks, Johnson has flip-flopped between both positions because of injuries, first at linebacker to Chris Collins and then defensive end with Marque Fountain.

Collins sat out his third consecutive game with a turf toe injury. Fountain suited up Saturday, but did not play due to a hamstring injury.

Johnson shifted back to linebacker last week prior to the Texas A&M game. On Saturday, he was back at defensive end backing up starters Nathan Peterson and Derek Burton.

"We came to him this past Wednesday because we knew Marque was not going to play for us today," defensive coordinator Tim Beckman said. "You have to credit that kid because that was a very unselfish move on his part. He did a great job for us today."

Johnson had three tackles and recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter.

Big day for Bowman: Senior wide receiver Adarius Bowman had six catches for 100 yards Saturday. It was Bowman's third consecutive game with 100 yards receiving, and fourth overall this season. Bowman only had two games with more than 100 yards receiving last year.

The last OSU receiver to have three consecutive games of over 100 yards receiving was D'Juan Woods in 2005.

Over 40 club: During a span of 41 seasons -- 1960 through 2000 -- Nebraska gave up 40 or more points on only seven occasions.

In three-plus seasons with Bill Callahan as coach, Nebraska has surrendered 40 or more points in nine games. Two of those games have come against OSU. The Cowboys beat Nebraska 41-29 last year in Stillwater.

Unexpected excellence: Against a Cowboy team that ranked 116th nationally in pass defense, the Cornhuskers only had 17 first-half passing yards.

When halftime arrived, several thousand Nebraska fans -- known as being among the most loyal and supportive in college football -- left Memorial Stadium and did not return.

Political football: Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and his wife Kim attended Saturday's game in Lincoln.

Football weather: It was 67 degrees under overcast skies at kickoff Saturday in Lincoln. The average temperature at kickoff for OSU's first six games this season was 86 degrees.

Day of firsts: OSU junior receiver Seth Newton caught his first career touchdown pass, a 41-yard strike from Zac Robinson in the first quarter. . . . Burton and Zach Carter made their first career starts at defensive end and fullback, respectively. . . . Senior linebacker Jeremy Nethon recovered his first career fumble in the second quarter after a sack of Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller by Donovan Woods, who jarred the ball loose.