The Nebraska Cornhuskers defeated the Akron Zips 68-0 Saturday night in what can only be described as a soul cleansing experience. After suffering for far too long, Husker fans bathed in memories of days gone by as the nostalgia washed over them. The last time the Blackshirts held their opponents scoreless – 2009. The last time the Huskers scored 68 points or more – 2012. And the 728 total yards of offense, well, the last time the Huskers reached 700 yards was in their 1995 National Championship season.
A game like this has been a long time coming and was much needed. Not just for the fans, but for the players. Yes, I understand it was Akron, but there have been too many games where it went the other way, Northen Illinois (2017), Troy (2018), and Georgia Southern (2022) to name a few. This was another step towards being relevant in the football world again. Defeating the teams you are supposed to by scores you are supposed to. And don’t concentrate too much on the 68 points, that goose egg afterwards is equally important.
Akron coach Joe Moorehead had this to say after the game, “The first thing I take away is, that was an ass kicking of epic proportions in every facet of the game.”
The Huskers led 33-0 at the half. However, head coach Matt Rhule was not happy with his team, and he let them know it. A video of Rhule giving his team a scorched earth speech supposedly leaked out Tuesday afternoon. Rhule made it clear to his young team what his expectations were concerning approach, attitude, and stepping on your opponent’s throat when given the opportunity. Evidently his little talk worked as his team came out and hung another 35 points on the Zips.
Games like this were once commonplace and the very fabric of Husker football. It meant young players getting game time reps, seeing live action, and facing the fire. These are the games where development happens and creates a fire in the bellies of young guys who want to get on the field. Thats what occurred in Memorial Stadium Saturday night as 108 different players saw snaps. That’s important when you consider 91 of the 125-man roster are either freshman or sophomores. And when you take the 108 into consideration, remember that it does not include players like Mac Markway, Gage Stenger, Gibson Pyle, Demitrius Bell, Conner Connealy, and Tyson Terry, who are all possibly out for the season.
This week going into Houston Christian practices should be salty, as players give that little extra to show they deserve to get on the field Saturday. One would have to think the next two weeks of practice will be as important to this team as the bowl practices were. It’s a different vibe and something that hasn’t occurred on the practice fields in far too long.
Rhule recognizes what can be gained from the HCU game, his team can maintain their intensity and make sure there is no drop off before Michigan. It’s a game in which he wants to see his team eliminate penalties, execute, make explosive plays, score points, and get after the quarterback. Defensive coordinator John Bulter made that clear Tuesday, explaining that hitting the QB, disrupting his movements and taking him to the ground were imperative.
The enthusiasm gained from a second game like last week would be contagious, spreading like a disease through the team, the coaches, the support staff, and right on to the fans. In fact, sickness has already started spreading through Husker Nation. If you don’t think so, look at the headline photo again. This fan has a facial expression of total satisfaction. I’m thinking only a guy who experienced the nineties could pull off such a look.
That smile, it’s just what the Doctor ordered.
GO BIG RED!!!
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