Nebraska Football 2-0: Are the Huskers Finally Back?
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 2-0 after a dominant 56-7 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday, but the big question remains: how good is this team really? The Huskers jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead, scoring touchdowns on five straight possessions before easing off in the second half. It was exactly what a good team should do against an overmatched opponent, but tougher tests lie ahead as Big Ten play approaches.
Husker Offense Looks Fun Again
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea has quickly become the most exciting player of the Matt Rhule era. His mobility changes everything for this offense. When plays break down, he can extend them. He can take shots downfield, and defenses have to account for him as a runner. The offense finally has a rhythm that has been missing in recent years.
Colandrea has plenty of weapons around him. Jamal Rule, Isaiah Mozee, and Mekhi Nelson give Nebraska multiple options at running back. Kwazi Gilmer, Jacory Barney, and Nyziah Hunter provide playmaking ability on the outside. Luke Lindenmeyer continues to be a reliable presence at tight end.
Sure, it was only Ohio and Bowling Green. But this offense looks different. It looks fun, and Nebraska fans haven't been able to say that in a long time.
What Still Needs Improvement?
It's hard to complain about a 56-7 win, but there are still areas that need work before the schedule gets tougher.
- Penalties: Special teams penalties remain an issue and could prove costly in close games.
- Drops: Receivers have had too many drops through the first two games.
- Pass Rush: The defensive front needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Blackshirts held Bowling Green to just 169 total yards and forced them to go 2-for-12 on third down, so there was plenty to like. But getting consistent pressure from the front four becomes much more important once Nebraska starts facing Big Ten offensive lines.
So, How Good Is Nebraska?
That's the question nobody can answer yet. Nebraska has beaten Ohio 49-21 and Bowling Green 56-7. After North Dakota next week, we probably still won't know much more.
But around the Big Ten, some of the teams on Nebraska's schedule suddenly look a little less intimidating. Rutgers is 0-2. Washington struggled with Utah State. Illinois lost to Duke. Iowa needed another classic Iowa performance to escape Iowa State.
None of that guarantees anything for Nebraska. But after years of watching the Huskers struggle against teams they were supposed to beat, there's something refreshing about simply taking care of business.
What's Next for the Huskers?
Nebraska is 2-0. The offense has weapons. Anthony Colandrea looks like the real deal. And there are legitimate reasons to wonder whether this team might be capable of something more. Now bring on the games that will actually tell us.
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