On a hot, windy October homecoming day in Lincoln, we felt the temperatures reach in the upper 90’s and over 100 degrees on the turf. Greg Schiano said in his long coaching career he hasn’t been in game with that type of dry heat. Athan Kaliakmanis lined up at Quarterback for Rutgers, the same Kaliakmanis who beat the Huskers in Minnesota last year before he transferred. Towards the end of the game, this looked like the same scenario where the Huskers lost to Minnesota last year. Late in the game last year, Kaliakmanis would score late to upset the Huskers. Today, he had a chance to tie it late and send it to overtime. But Nebraska showed growth, held on and won 14-7. This is exactly the type of game Nebraska has lost time and time again since 2016. These are the exact games that have kept the Huskers from bowl eligibility since 2016. Yet, Matt Rhule and his Huskers found a way to win.
The defense was the star of the show today. At times this year the defense has caused some heartburn, with many openly criticizing them. They put that to bed today with an absolutely dominating performance. Rutgers came into the game 4-0, with future NFL running back Kyle Monangai. The Huskers would hold him to under 100 yards. Matt Rhule said that the defense practiced harder this week for this game then they have in his two years, and it showed. Rhule said at times Tony White played five down linemen with two jacks, moving away from a traditional 3-3-5 scheme. Whatever it takes to win in the BIG10, you do it. Hats off to White. In the first quarter Monangai averaged 8 yards a carry, but the blackshirts quickly shut that down for the rest of the game. The stars today for the defense were clear, Ceyair Wright, James Williams and Ty Robinson. Wright needs to be on the field every down. At times, Marques Buford Jr. was a liability out there. He got cooked twice, and one was for a touchdown. He had similar issues against Indiana. All in all though, excellent showing by the blackshirts.
Meanwhile, the offense struggled at times. They wouldn’t score at all in the second half. Dylan Raiola finally had a “freshman” game and went 13/27 134 yards no touchdowns and interception. He will learn and grow from it. Rhule called it all part of the “continuum.” Nebraska also only managed 97 yards on the ground, only a week after Rutgers gave up 207 yards to Washington on the ground. Dowdell and E. Johnson both got 14 carries, with Dowdell making the most of it for 57 yards to Johnsons 33. Rhamir Johson had 5 for 34 carries. Week after week the running back rotation leads to a different lead horse. Absent today in the receiving game was Neyor and Banks, both considered the best receivers on this team but had zero receptions (outside banks on that fake punt). Marcus Satterfield, the Huskers offensive coordinator, managed to get around a stout Rutgers defense with some creative play calling. A fake end around flip to R. Johnson was a highlight. Later a handoff to Janiran Bonner gained a touchdown, with excellent perimeter blocking by true freshman Jacory Barney Jr. We also saw Micah Mazzccua today, after he was suspended last week. He came out for extra heavy packages, on a couple fourth down conversions. Schiano in his post-game called his second half defense “suffocating.” I tend to agree. Rhule said post-game that Schiano had some very unique defensive looks, and at times it was “confusing.”
Special teams were again a roller coaster. While we didn’t get to see any field goal attempts today (probably for the best with the wind) they did easily make their two extra points. However, Nebraska had two punts blocked. The first one appeared to injure punter Brian Buschini. There were bright spots though, for instance Rutgers fake field goal getting blown up early in the first half. Or Buschini with a fake punt and perfect throw to Banks for 31 yards. Buschini also had punts of 61 yards and a 69 yarder, after averaging 34 yards so far this season. So, ups and downs. Special Teams needs special attention during the bye week.
All in all, good Husker victory. Don’t let the little things bog you down Husker fans. This was growth. For year 2 under Matt Rhule, that’s what we need to see and we have it.