Oh yes…. yes, it is…. It’s a new day in Nebraska football. But let me guess, you’re a doubter. How is today different from yesterday?
Well, for one, it’s been 1,828 days since Nebraska fans crawled out of bed with an opening day win. Stop and consider that number, 1,828. What if someone had stopped you on the street in the middle of football season in 1992 and said, “I believe there will come a day when Nebraska goes 1,828 days without an opening day win.”
First, you would have wanted to slap them for even thinking such a thing. Then you would have called them an idiot under your breath as you walked away, not allowing yourself to get caught up in such hogwash. No way on God’s green earth was there a Nebraska fan that ever considered such a thing. And then it happened.
I know, I know, there are Nebraska fans that weren’t born in 2000, let alone 1992. Some of them don’t remember anything but losing. But I don’t care how pessimistic you might be, you can’t believe Nebraska football hasn’t turned the page. I’m not saying they will go undefeated. They will take their lumps. But the Nebraska football we’ve been witnessing for the last seven years is as gone as $1.00 gasoline and the Big Eight Conference. It’s ancient history, so bury it in the back yard with that stick-pin voodoo doll you made of Bevo.
Yes, it was UTEP for crying out loud. But it wasn’t so much who we beat, it was about the team we put on the field and how they went about their business. This team is the right mix for the right time. A group of highly motivated veterans and a bunch of highly talented first year guys who want to prove themselves. Add the steadfast middle guys and you’ve got a team with the right attitude to do big things. Winning the like they did Saturday was the first bit of proof these guys needed. They knew they had what it took, they just needed a glimpse of themselves in the mirror.
While it’s hard to look at the UTEP game statistically and pinpoint stars on the defensive side, the Blackshirts looked good overall. When in rhythm and getting first downs, UTEP tested them. You could see the defense was having trouble getting in position and recognizing formations before the ball was snapped. Credit UTEP for their unique style of play. The Blackshirts won’t see that in the BIG 10. I thought the rush defense looked good and there was good gang tackling. There were some slip ups in coverage, but again, credit UTEP. However, the defense did come away with 2 takeaways. I’m reluctant to hand out A’s, so I’ll give the Blackshirts a B+ for this game.
The Nebraska offense is easier to grade statistically. I thought Dylan Raiola was everything we expected him to be, and he didn’t disappoint. Was he perfect? Not according to Matt Rhule but compared to the QB play we witnessed last year, he was close. He completed 19 of 27 for 238 yards and 2 TDs, and that was leaving the game in the 3rd quarter. His biggest stat, 0 fumbles and 0 interceptions. He took care of the ball.
I anticipated a large rotation at the receiver’s position, and the Huskers ended up with 11 different players having a reception. Banks and Neyor performed as expected, having 10 catches for 182 yds and 2 TDs between them. Janiran Bonner and Carter Nelson each had 3 catches for a combined total of 47yds. This room is deep.
The running game looked solid, the line created holes, and it didn’t matter who was in the game, they had room to run. Nebraska ended up with 223 yards rushing, with only 8 of those coming from the QB position. Emmett Johnson’s average per carry was 8.9yds, Dante Dowdell’s, 6.9yds, Rahmir Johnson’s, 4.5yds, and Gabe Ervin’s was 4.0yds. So, there was a good push by the offensive line.
Offensive line play was good but there is room for improvement in pass protection. I didn’t think the second and third team got the same push off the ball as the first team. But they are young and getting experience in game situations can only help.
Again, there will be no A’s when the offense has turnovers. With 1 giveaway and ending up at +1 for the game, the offense receives a B.
I don’t care what anybody says, it’s a new day in Nebraska football.
Good things are about to happen.
-Lyle Harmon
