The only way this isn't an idiotic decision is if Nebraska had noticed that the NW front guys were turning and running before making sure the ball was kicked. I watched every kickoff before this and the NW guys clearly watched for the kick, then started running. So.....stupid decision.
I wasn't a fan of it at the time and still am not.
But I don't think that assessment is quite right. There was a huge hole on that side. There was one guy almost all they way to the sideline and one guy who was almost right in the middle of the field. And the guy who was on the sideline was running backwards at the kick.
So I do think there would have been a good chance to get it had it been kicked wider. No one home and takes longer to cover the 10 yards, thus our guys get there closer to when the ball crosses the 10 yard mark.