Deflating, that is the best way to describe how watching the UNI game felt. Realizing that what we were watching was just good coaching, prepping the team for a more than likely top 25 match-up. The only starters we saw throughout the game were the freshman and younger players who needed in-game experience.
The defense looked lackluster, Raiola threw a weird interception and Nebraska seemed to pull up on the reins once again in the second half. Once the Huskers started settling for field goals it seemed as if we knew the game was well in their control, but in this current environment where the B1G doesn’t have a top three, the points and style of wins could matter at year’s end. This game left fans wanting to see more and felt a bit of disappointment. Don’t not let this seemingly uneventful performance worry you as Rhule was heavy on rotation this week, resting starters and getting the youth valuable snaps.
The Defense, even though playing starters sparingly still held UNI to 162 yards passing, 145 yards rushing and just 3 points. A UNI team that looked strong and never gave up was just overpowered by the Blackshirt Defense. Something that lets fans know if players are bought in or not is seeing the second and third team defense bucking up and stopping the UNI offense that was on the move and in the redzone late in the fourth quarter.
The offense, before slowing down, showed amazing efficiency. Rhule and company let Raiola sling the ball around the field going 17/23 for 247 yards passing with two touchdowns. Also showing a bit of what Haarberg can do in different packages was something Husker nation was waiting for. Dowdell and Emmitt Johnson led the team in rushing with a combined 10 carries for 105 yards. Jaylen Lloyd and Carter Nelson led the team with a combined 5 receptions for 107 yards.
As we move into a big B1G game this Friday in Memorial stadium for the 400th consecutive sellout, the Huskers should be well rested and ready to take on the Illini.
