Northwestern held Nebraska to its lowest rushing yards total (122) of the season and third-lowest points total (25) of the season in Saturday's 28-25 upset victory in Lincoln.

The Wildcats' defense entered the game ranked 95th nationally in rushing defense, allowing 193.6 yards a game, and 90th in scoring defense, allowing 31.5 points a game. Their struggles had been well documented.

How did they turn things around against the high-powered Huskers offense?

Northwestern undoubtedly tackled better than it has all season against Nebraska. Wildcats defenders filled their gaps better and prevented the explosion plays that have hurt them all season. Their pride had been challenged by coach Pat Fitzgerald and their teammates, and they responded.

But was there another factor?

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez says so.

"They were looking at our sidelines to see what plays we were running," Martinez said. "Maybe they kind of caught on to what we were doing."

Like many offenses, Nebraska often comes to the line before looking to its sideline for the correct play. Northwestern actually does the same thing on offense and has used some creative placards to signal in plays in recent weeks.

Martinez said he can check out of any play, but he felt Northwestern had caught onto the Huskers' signals.

"I caught on that every time we'd look over, they were looking at me or look at the sidelines for a play," he said. "So during the game, we kind of mixed up each signal."

Martinez added that it's the first time this season he thinks a team had pegged Nebraska's signals.

"It's Northwestern," he explained. "A smart school."

This will come off to some as sour grapes from the Huskers quarterback, who also admitted after Saturday's game, "maybe we overlooked Northwestern for Penn State." But teams nailing opponents' signals happens from time to time, and Nebraska will be changing up its signals before this week's game in State College.