The Nebraska vs. Minnesota matchup was a heartbreaker for the Cornhuskers. They lost to a walk-off field goal by Minnesota’s Dragan Kessich, which effectively spoiled Matt Rhule’s introduction as Nebraska’s head coach. But let’s dig deeper to find out what the team did well, and what they failed to execute.
Jeff Sims First Outing As a Cornhusker
Throughout the game against the Golden Gophers, Sims proved himself as an effective running quarterback. And when it was all done, his explosiveness on the ground proved hard to stop for Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. But his decisions in the passing game were costly to the team’s chances of victory. On the offense’s drives, he repeatedly overthrew his targets Billy Kemp and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda. Only Alex Bullock made a touchdown catch right in the end zone on a trick play. Otherwise, his play near the red zone was even worse. Out of Nebraska’s three out of four scoring trips, he threw three interceptions. But there is some credit to be given to the signal caller. It’s his first time in the Big Ten Conference, and he has plenty of time to dwell on his mistakes. But now, it’s up to offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield and the rest of the staff to help him through his problems and try to limit them against a challenging opponent in Colorado.
Read more about Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis here: Know Thy Foe: Nebraska vs. Minnesota’s Offense
The Blackshirts Are Back?
From the opening snap, the Nebraska vs. Minnesota matchup proved to be a good one as Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense allowed a host of rotating Husker defenders to stifle Minnesota running lanes. This was especially prevalent in limiting Western Michigan transfer Sean Tyler to 41 yards on 10 carries. And the pass defense was excellent as well. Against Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, their first drive was halted when cornerback Malcolm Hartzog delivered a tackle for loss to set up a punt. And junior Isaac Gifford helped out as well by totaling five tackles, and a stop to force a Minnesota field goal. But it could be even better for the defense if Hartzog defended wide receiver Daniel Jackson better to stop his catch. And the Cornhuskers should have a better pass rush earlier in the game. If they can do this, it will help disrupt the premier quarterback talents that they face. Of course, the two sacks by Blaise Gunnerson and Nash Hutmacher were a good start, but other talents on the defensive line should emerge if they are going to stop Shedeur Sanders and confuse the young Colorado offensive line.
Special Teams As A Saving Grace
Under special teams coordinator Ed Foley, the unit will improve drastically. And his first game was a good indicator of that. The punt coverage stifled the Gophers in getting positive return yards and veteran punter Brian Buschini routinely punted deep into the end zone. Another surprise was Omaha Westside kicker Tristan Alvano. He was perfect in his extra-point attempts from a short distance. But can the Huskers be consistent with their special teams against tougher opponents later in the year? It’s a good start to good things to come, but we’ve often seen struggles in the kicking department under Scott Frost. On the punt return side, veteran running back Rahmir Johnson proved his explosiveness when he had a 65-yard return. Is he the answer to NU’s special teams woes going forward, or will the staff continue to rotate in players? That’s something to watch when NU plays against the Buffaloes next week.
