LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Taylor Martinez hurled five touchdown passes and amassed 349 aerial yards Saturday in No. 16 Nebraska's 49-20 win over Southern Mississippi.
The victory was an NCAA-best 27th straight season-opening triumph for the Cornhuskers (1-0).
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Workhorse running back Rex Burkhead ripped off a 57-yard touchdown run in the first quarter before leaving the game with a left knee injury.
Backup Ameer Abdullah entered and finished with 81 rushing yards on 15 carries for Nebraska.
The Golden Eagles (0-1) were led by quarterback Chris Campbell, who went 6-for-11 passing for 69 yards.
Ellis Johnson fell in his head coaching debut for Southern Miss.