Report Card: Huskers 31, Michigan State Spartans 13
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I’m getting a read on this Husker football team that it still has a bit of a Jekyll/Hyde split within. Sometimes they look dominatingly “why aren’t they ranked” good…and then a few minutes later, it’s “what the ‘eff are they doin’” not-so-good. (With a heaping helping of “Here we go again…” on the side.)
Earlier in the season, it was full-halfs. Against Michigan State, it was really just the third quarter…and that might be the sign of progress. The inconsistency is getting better. And let’s be honest, that seems to be a common theme in college football these days. Ohio State had a WTF quarter at the end of their game at Texas. Oregon had a WTF game against Oklahoma State, one week after the Cowboys had a WTF game against Tulsa.
The glass half-full person can point to the Huskers’ mostly dominating defensive performance against Michigan State and point out the Huskers 18 point road victory over Sparty looks pretty good compared to Notre Dame’s 17 point win over Michigan State in South Bend a week earlier. (I’d argue that’s 3/4 full.) Half-empty people can see Nebraska’s I-Backs only combining for 49 yards in the first three quarters and a quarterback only completing 56% of his passes.
But Nebraska beat the spread (5.5 points) and the game never really seemed in doubt once it got into the second quarter. Nebraska’s 1-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since before COVID, and won on the road. So the bottom line is that while not perfect, it was a good performance, especially on the road. And if the Big Ten isn’t looking all that top-heavy, well, you never know where things might go from here.
With that, it’s onto the report card, and as always, your feedback welcome in the comments.
QB: Anthony Colandrea reminds us what the value of a dual-threat quarterback really is. His 55% completion percentage might not impress, but 66 yards rushing kept the offense moving. He never had a negative play, which was a key to why the Huskers were able win comfortably. No turnovers. No sacks. No lost yards. And he’s able to work the ball downfield. Grade: B+
I-Back: Jamal Rule was injured early, and I don’t know Nebraska truly recovered. Mekhi Nelson was solid in the fourth quarter when it came time to salt this one away, but it was a bit hit-or-miss earlier. Rule’s injury gave North Platte walk-on Vincent Genatone a chance to shine; he’ll have a lifetime of memories from this one. Grade: C-
WR: Kwazi Gilmer is developing nicely into a big-play receiver, and I’d love to see a bit more of Quinn Clark helping to stretch the field. We’ll have to see how Jacory Barney bounces back this week. Grade: B+
OL: I rewatched a bit of the game, focusing on the line play, and came away that Jeep Wade really had to make some adjustments after the offense went dormant in the third quarter. You could tell that the line was baffled on at least one occasion, leaving free attackers unblocked with linemen getting themselves out of position. Whether that’s because it was Nebraska’s first real test of the season or Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi had more than a few tricks up his sleeve to spring on Nebraska, we won’t know. But in the end, Nebraska imposed their will down the stretch. Grade: C+
DL: One of the reasons why I never got too concerned about this game, even when the offense stagnated, is that the defense really seemed to be in control most of the afternoon, and that started up front. Williams Nwaneri had two big sacks, while Anthony Jones and Owen Stoudmire seemed to have things plugged up front. Grade: A
LB: Owen Chambliss led with eight tackles and a huge leaping interception. Vincent Shavers bounced back nicely from a rough start to the season while Dawson Merritt had a beautiful sack. The Spartans weren’t going anywhere on the ground on this day. Grade: A-
Secondary: There were a few missed receivers, but the secondary made some huge plays. None bigger than Donovan Jones strip-sack and fumble recovery. Dwayne McDougle and Victor Evans both had seven tackles each, and Andrew Marshall sealed the game with a big interception. Grade: A-
Special Teams: Archie Wilson’s blocked chunked punt was wiped out by a stupid Sparty penalty, but otherwise, was OK. Coverage was good, and Williams Nwaneri was credited with deflecting a long Michigan State field goal. Grade: B+
Overall: B Maybe Notre Dame softened up Michigan State the week before, but let’s not sell this Nebraska team short, imposing their will and physically dominating the Spartans. Starting the Big Ten season undefeated should not be underappreciated. Win and advance.
Elsewhere in College Football
Iowa: A- The Hawkeyes had 177 yards of offense in the first 58 minutes. Then somehow went 91 yards in the final 106 seconds. Go figure.
UCLA: A+ I suspected Bob Cheney would do good things in Westwood.
Maryland: 0 I’m not sure Maryland needs to fire Mike Locksley immediately, but barring some sort of incredulous turnaround (and please, NOT THIS SATURDAY!), there’s zero chance he lasts past Thanksgiving weekend.
Texas: Disgusting. You all saw the urinal celebration. But what about the “sniff my crotch” later in that game? Grow up, cowturds.
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