Welcome back, Husker fans! The Nebraska football team is 1-0. Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen said Cincinnati was a quality team, and he was correct. I think they were a little chippy and dirty after watching the game unfold.
Since I wasn't able to get my thoughts down on paper before the game (they were a pile of yellow sticky notes), here's what I wanted to see and what I think I saw.
What we saw from Nebraska football and what we wanted to see
The left tackle position was up for grabs right down to the first snap. Gunnar Gottula, Turner Corcoran and Elijah Pritchett all vying for time. Offensive lineman Henry Lutovsky said it's a luxury to have that many options. I agree with that much. Gottula started but Pritchett played a considerable amount of time. I was hoping that the OT role would be clear following the game. I would suggest it is still up for grabs but I'm giving the local kid (Gottula) the nod. He seemed sharper and had zero penalties.
I suspected that a running threat QB could be a problem. He was. I wanted to see the Blackshirts keep him contained. That's not what I got. Bearcat QB Brendan Sorsby definitely had some good runs on our vacated middle of the field defense. I suspected that All-Big 12 D Tackle Dontay Corleone, appropriately nicknamed "the Godfather" would create some problems with his disruptive play. I was correct.
I was hoping that Husker wide receivers Dane Key and California transfer Nyziah Hunter were going to be as good as advertised. I was correct. It was joyful to watch a Husker receiver catch a ball in motion and continue for yards after the catch (Key). It was also stunning to watch a receiver FIGHT for a 50/50 ball and win that battle (Hunter). They are full sugar, worth their Kool-Aid rating.
I wanted to see Big Red tight end Carter Nelson do good things. He was strangely absent from the game plan only being in the game for a couple of plays if memory serves. Instead, what I got was the hero of the day, in my opinion, tight end Luke Lindenmeyer. Another full sugar valued Kool-aid kid. He was 5-5 with 47 yards. His blocking was a key contributor to the game. I can't wait to see what else will be dialed up for this Cornhusker.
As for the defense, I wanted to see a dominating performance. Mom always said, "it's good to want." I'm going to give them a couple more weeks to reserve full comment but I can definitely state that the DBs are a double dose of full sugar Kool-aid and as advertised. Donovan Jones and Husker linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. are packing that run through the wall punch. Those guys are some ballers!
Special teams. I wanted to see that Huskers new coach Mike Ekeler was making an impact - BOOM! How about a 52-yard personal best field goal for the first score of the game? Well done Mr. Kyle Cunanan! And if you're not already in love with Australian born and current Husker punter Archie Wilson, jump on board the bandwagon. Never played a snap of American Football and he legs out 3 great kicks to keep the Bearcats behind the 20, and behind the 9-yard line TWICE!. With the game unfortunately coming down to one score, this group was invaluable. I got what I wanted with this group of Big Red bangers.
Next week the Huskers are finally at home! It's something to celebrate since we were cheated out of a Spring Game. Tailgating will be in full force as the forecast is sunny and in the upper 70's. I'll have another group of thoughts (before the game) and a couple of tasty treats to share with you well in advance of gameday.
For now, I'm going to keep reviewing the numbers, the comments, and the critiques. It wasn't pretty but it was a WIN. I'm still all in with the Cornhuskers and will be regardless. Take it easy on that Kool-aid intake as it's a long season. In the meantime, plan ahead for that tailgate on Saturday and send me any photos you would like to share. I'm at @kelian_NE on the X. As always, GO BIG RED!