Nebraska Football: The learning curve and North Dakota

Nebraska football kicks off against North Dakota Fighting Hawks at home at 2:30 CDT in Memorial Stadium and is televised on B1G Network. Game time temperature should be sunny with a slight north breeze and around 85. Bring the sunscreen, people. Hawks struggled last year with a 5-6 record but were in every game and had a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter. Huskers better put them away early and keep their foot on the gas.

I’m hoping all those amazing fans (estimated 10,000) got to sleep and forget about that game on the long 8-hour flight home. Seriously impressed by all the loyal fans who traveled and enjoyed Ireland. As for the game, I’m about over it but I won’t soon forget it. How could you? The ghosts of Martinez’s past were present and no more glaring than that end-of-the-game interception to crush the souls of the Husker faithful.

However, there are LOTS of positives in the game if you break it down. I welcome the quick (and usually good) decision-making and the zip on the ball of Husker QB Casey Thompson. I loved his first series, and accurate deliveries to receivers Trey Palmer, Marcus Washington, and the guy NO ONE knew about, Isaiah Garcia-Castenada. Welcome to Nebraska! If only the game could have ended after that first series.

Nebraska football running back Anthony Grant have yourself a day with that 46-yard run for a touchdown! We haven’t seen a long touchdown run like that since 2019’s Wandale Robinson. That’s a little sad. Interesting they played freshman Ajay Allen in that position too. The Husker running back room is stacked so why didn’t we play Rahmir Johnson or Gabe Ervin…hmmm.  The worst stat of the game for me is that in the run game, the RB was touched at the line or behind it 52% of the time. That’s really bad.

On the positive side of the ball, the special teams (not counting the onside blunder heard around the world) the guys with the legs did very well. Every Husker point after made. Almost made that long field goal. Averaged 42 yards a punt. A vast improvement from last year.

I certainly didn’t expect to see the defense forgetting how to block gaps. That ability seems to have gotten lost somewhere in the 6-time zones. I look for it to be back on track the next couple of games.

We learned that Husker tight end Captain Travis Vokolek is critical. We learned that Casey Thompson can sling it. We learned that we leaned on JoJo Domann a lot last year. We learned that a good kicking game keeps you in it. But we learned we still have a lot of work to do. Huskers will rebound and keep things vanilla I think. Why give opponents more film. That being said, win the DAMN game.

Since it will be warm this weekend for the tailgates, leave the sweaty cheese at home. A 2:30 game screams for hors d’ oeuvres and snacks. Munchies are the key since the beverages will go down quickly in the heat. The Ireland game left a sour taste in my mouth so I went with it for this week’s jello shot. Apple Pucker schnapps and green apple jello. Mix the jello with a cup of boiling water and stir. Add in 3/4 cup of the pucker and pour and chill.

I’m looking forward to the reaction from the new guys on the team to the Sea of Red. It’s one thing that never gets old. It’s a game to get back on track and exorcise some of the demons from across the pond. And to end on a good note, check out the former Nebraska football guys who made a pro roster here. Hit me up with your recipes or photos from your tailgate at @kelian_NE on Twitter. GO BIG RED!