No Identity vs Known Identity
What we knew coming into this game was that Nebraska wanted to control the line of scrimmage. Rhule knew who his team was and what would have to happen up front for the desired result. A win. We also knew, Colorado doesn’t seem to know how to run the ball effectively.
The first drive of the game went like this: incomplete pass, incomplete pass, sack, then a punt to IGC. Nebraska would receive the ball in amazing field position. We knew Dowdell was our most physical back. We thought Shilo Sanders was their most physical defender. Those two would meet head to head on an inside zone run. Bang. Shilo breaks his forearm and a few plays later, Dowdell walks into the end zone. Nebraska leads 7-0.
We knew Tommi Hill was our best cover corner. We knew Sanders loves to throw the ball, even in positions where they should run it. Once again, Nebraska knew what was coming and Sanders, under pressure, in his own end zone, makes a horrible decision. Tommi Hill jumps the route and now Nebraska leads 14-0. Nebraska is dominating up front and it’s showing up on the scoreboard.
Colorado at this point doesn’t know what to do. They’re frustrated. They have no idea what’s coming next and cannot come up with answer. Nebraska didn’t just know who they were and what they needed to do, they knew who Colorado was and what they wanted to do. A known identity destroyed no identity.
Previewing What’s Next
I asked Adam Carriker to pick any game this week and predict the final score. He chose Alabama to win over Wisconsin 31-14. I have to agree with this prediction. Alabama did look sloppy last week in the first half against USF, but once they figured out that offensive line, it went from 21-17 to Alabama winning very comfortably. They turned it over way too much that game. A lot of fumbles would keep USF in the game early. Something Nebraska fans can understand from last years team.
Wisconsin would add Tyler Van Dyke from the transfer portal during the off season and change their offensive identity. Once again, we know who and what Alabama is and what they want to do. Wisconsin is still trying to figure out who they are. I believe they’ll have some serious soul searching going on after facing Alabama. Alabama wins 42-10.
An Early Night
Previewing Nebraska vs NIU will not take long. I expect this game to be over mid third quarter. Haarberg and company will once again be tasked to put an opponent away. Of course, that’s after Dylan Raiola goes 24-28 and 2 TDs. Defensively, I do think because of Gbayor’s targeting penalty, we will get to see a break out player. His name? Vincent Shavers. I think him and Carter Nelson both have their best games yet and Nebraska scores 50 points, moving to 3-0 on the season.
