LINCOLN, Neb. — It’s astounding how quickly 86,097 fans can clear out of Memorial Stadium. With just 1:37 remaining, Nebraska’s rowdy blackout crowd was fully present, yelling in full voice to try and inspire the Cornhuskers defend their own 25-yard line.

Just 15 minutes of real time later, the hulking cathedral of college football that dominates the Lincoln skyline was empty.

Except for the sea of purple-clad Washington fans. Flocking to the southwest corner of the Stadium, they came — with hands outstretched in appreciation — to salute the improbable comeback. No player took more time to reciprocate their affections than Demond Williams Jr.

The embattled junior quarterback , whose entrance in the fourth quarter propelled UW’s stagnant offense to its only touchdown drive, high-fived every offered hand. He took pictures with ecstatic fans, still trying to comprehend what they’d just witnessed.…