As expected, the 22nd-ranked Colorado Buffaloes under coach Deion Sanders took care of business against the Nebraska Cornhuskers 36-17. As a result, NU stares at a 0-2 start. They are also left with a lot of questions ahead of the program’s matchup against Northern Illinois. But let’s break down what they can do to get some answers.
A New Beginning At Quarterback
When backup running back Anthony Grant coughed the ball up against Minnesota early in the third quarter in week one, Rhule saw fit to put in Gabe Ervin. This proved to be a good decision. It allowed the running back to manifest itself in the offense. But to make the dynamic truly fair, Rhule needs to have a conversation with quarterback Jeff Sims about his turnovers. And there’s a good reason for this. In only two games as a Husker, he has had four interceptions and two fumbled snaps. Sims currently has more turnovers, including his days at GA Tech, than any current/active quarterback. Even worse? His poor decisions in managing the clock. In the first half, the signal-caller ran out of bounds ahead of a Nebraska punt with 58 seconds left to go. As a result, Colorado was allowed to march down the field and boot a 32-yard field goal through the uprights to start the second. Because of these constant miscues, it may be time for Heinrich Haarberg to shine. The Kearney Catholic quarterback looks more in control of Marcus Satterfield’s offense and has been more composed in the pocket. The only problem? He has no proven ability to consistently manufacture drives in the offense. Haarberg’s late fourth-quarter score to Thomas Fidone was a step in the right direction. But can he take the reigns and run with it against the Huskies? Or is he just another turnover machine?
Nebraska’s Defense Shows Its Potential Against The Buffaloes
Against Minnesota, Tony White’s defense was dominant. And for the second week, the Cornhuskers proved the defense was for real against Prime Time and the Colorado Buffaloes. Malcolm Hartzog and Quinton Newsome were physical in the secondary, and NU’s pass rush got home. In the first half, freshman defensive lineman Cam Lenhardt and Riley Van Poppel teamed up to sack Sanders three times. But to no surprise, the Cornhuskers pass defense ran out of steam. Early in the third quarter, White’s unit couldn’t contain Travis Hunter on a 48-yard reception from Sanders on 3rd and 15. And on the next drive, South Florida standout Xavier Weaver tore up the Huskers’ secondary in the passing game with 170 receiving yards as well as a touchdown. As a result of these efforts, the Buffaloes had no problem extending their lead to force the end of the game. The first half defense was nothing short of dominant. Now it’s just up to the Huskers to make good second-half adjustments against Northern Illinois.
SACKED@HuskerFootball's defense is causing problems in the first half for Colorado pic.twitter.com/FdNCwJmDFY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 9, 2023
Special Teams Needs To Make A Slight Adjustment Against Northern Illinois
Nebraska punter Brian Buschini punted four times for an average of 35 yards against Colorado. But against the Golden Gophers, his three punts netted an average of 47.7 yards. Why a slight drop-off in production? Is it due to the altitude in Boulder, or is Colorado stronger on special teams? Whatever the reason, special teams coordinator Ed Foley has to figure out how to get his confidence back against Northern Illinois. And he also has to prepare Tristan Alvano to make long kicks. This wasn’t a problem against the Golden Gophers, as his only attempt was a 27-yard field goal. But it showed up against the Buffs. In the second quarter, he kicked the ball directly into the right upright. This not only squandered an easy three points but also took a toll on his confidence. However, he is a good enough specialist to fix his issues from distance. If he can just focus and tune out the Memorial Stadium crowd, that is.
Photo courtesy: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
