\nDylan Raiola with a DEEP pass to Isaiah Neyor for the TD \ud83c\udfaf\ud83c\udfaf\ud83c\udfaf@HuskerFootball<\/a> extends the lead! pic.twitter.com\/hpXKReRxNA<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Gabe Ervin<\/h3>\n
All four of Nebraska’s running backs made solid contributions against UTEP. This began early when Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell<\/a> plunged into the endzone for the Huskers’ first score. However, his fumble gave the Miners the opportunity to answer. Junior quarterback Skyler Locklear connected with wide receiver Kam Thomas<\/a> on a 38-yard score. Other than that miscue, the Cornhuskers dominated the game on the ground. Senior Rahmir Johnson<\/a> and sophomore Emmett had 50 yards each. But junior Gabe Ervin<\/a> provided the most impact. In short rushing situations, the 220-pounder rushed for two touchdowns. Will EJ Barthel’s rushers continue their momentum against Colorado? NU has plenty of evidence that they can expose the Buffs. Under defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, CU gave up 450 rushing yards against North Dakota State.<\/p>\n
Jacory Barney Jr<\/h3>\n
The freshman from Miami factored into the Cornhuskers special teams unit under Ed Foley. Before NU’s first drive, Barney returned the ball 19 yards to the program’s own 28-yard line. Wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire also chose to deploy him as a slot receiver. This scheme led him to connect with Raiola on a first down throw. Not a bad start in week one. He can continue his ascent against CU’s leaky pass defense. But will the freshman accept the challenge ahead? After the spring game, he made it one of his goals to “take back a kickoff against Colorado.”<\/p>\n
Ty Robinson<\/h3>\n
No surprise here. After being a key fixture on Nebraska’s defensive line last season, the Arizona native continued his strong play with the Cornhuskers against UTEP. His stats weren’t eye-popping, but he helped NU when it mattered most. After UTEP safety Landon Hullaby<\/a> pounced on Dowdell’s fumble,\u00a0 Robinson and the Blackshirts suffocated Locklear and the UTEP offense in the endzone for a safety. And in the second half, he got inside the ex-Austin Peay quarterback’s head once again. This would show when he was stopped by Robinson once again. Will he be able to combat Colorado’s offensive line? Phil Loadholt’s unit only allowed one sack against NDSU. For reference, starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders was sacked a whopping 56 times in 2023.<\/p>\n
Malcolm Hartzog<\/h3>\n
NU secondary coach John Butler had a phenomenal start to his coaching career at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers held the Miners to 150 passing yards on the day. The only miscue came when junior cornerback Malcolm Hartzog was caught flat-footed on the 38-yard line. This allowed UTEP to gather some momentum in the game, but they didn’t hold it for long. Next week will serve as an early test for Butler’s unit. Under head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs have received threats all over the field.\u00a0 Against the Bison, Hunter snagged seven receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Jimmy Horn Jr<\/a> was effective as well.\u00a0 He had seven catches for 198 yards and a score.<\/p>\n
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