Two truths and a lie about Nebraska football's slobberknocker against Rutgers
The Nebraska football team found a way to beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights despite playing what was arguably its worst offensive game of the season. They managed to get the victory because the defense played inarguably its best game of the season.
You might remember that Kirk Herbstreit essentially predicted this kind of game, saying earlier in the day that the Blackshirts simply haven’t gotten talked about enough this season. After a couple of games in a row where they looked like they might be taking a step back, the Blackshirts showed up BIG after also looking very solid against Purdue.
Here’s two truths and a lie for the Nebraska football team following a very tough win that continued their best start to the season since 2016.
Truth: Nebraska football’s strength continues to be it’s defense
Not only did the Huskers hold Kyle Monangai to 78 yards rushing on 19 carries, but after the first quarter, they allowed just 14 yards on 11 carries by one of the best running backs in the Big Ten. That of course means that they allowed 64 yards on 8 carries in the first period and they really looked like they were going to have problems.
Best of all, they shut down the Rutgers running game, but they also did very well against the passing offense. This wasn’t one of those games where Monangai had a bad game because they didn’t need him.
Athan Kaliakmanis completed just 15 of 37 passes for 186 yards and 1 touchdown. He also threw two backbreaking interceptions.
There was of course one drive that really demonstrated just how good the Blackshirts were on Saturday. After a blocked punt gave Rutgers the ball at the NU 3 yard line, the Scarlet Knights came away with zero points. Despite being given extra plays thanks to a defensive holding penalty on one pass in the end zone.
Truth: Something has to be done with the special teams
Including Ed Foley, there are four guys who are either full time assistants, or - in the case of Alex Henery - analysts who are dedicated to the special teams. It’s easily … easily the worst part of this football team.
Theres is very little to worry about by Nebraska opponents when it comes to the Huskers punt or kick return units. And there’s a ton to worry about whenever NU lines up for a kick.
Foley’s unit has now had 5 kicks blocked this season in 6 games. There’s also plenty of instances of bad kick coverage and of course, missed field goals. Matt Rhule has made excuses for Foley the last few weeks that felt like a guy who knows there are calls for a change. It’s going to be harder to make those excuses if things aren’t fixed, right quick.
Lie: The Huskers don’t miss Tommi Hill
Defensive back Tommi Hill was announced in the starting lineup tonight, but he wasn’t on the field much and not really at all after the first quarter. Here’s hoping he can use the bye week to get healthy.
Marques Buford is trying his best, and at times, he’s made a big play. But he’s not going to want to watch the film of his performance in the second half against Rutgers especially.
In one series of three consecutive plays, Buford committed a defensive holding, allowed a 40+ yard pass completion on 3rd and forever and then should have allowed a 40+ yard touchdown if the Rutgers receiver didn’t just drop the ball.
Later in the game, he also allowed the Scarlet Knights’ only touchdown when he seemed confused on what he was supposed to be doing and his man ran past him uncovered. Buford has tried his best, but it would be great to get Hill back in two weeks when Nebraska football takes on the very potent offense of the 6-0 Indiana Hoosiers.