It wasn’t the flashy offensive showing many expected from Nebraska on Thursday but the Huskers gutted out a 23-20 win over Cincinnati. There were some promising moments, but plenty of moments that showed this team might need some time to reach the potential the staff sees in them. The biggest takeaway coming out of Thursday’s win? Nebraska has a few key areas that need improvement before Big Ten play.
Here’s an assessment of each position group in Thursday’s 23-20 win.
Quarterback: C-
The first showing of Dylan Raiola‘s sophomore season was a mixed bag relatively. He seemed uncomfortable at times progressing through reads in the face of pressure, though that could be the result of rotating tackles. There are plays the sophomore likely wants back, he nearly threw a game-changing pick six on fourth down, progressed through a few plays too slow and was lucky to jump back on a ball stripped from his hands. For all the excitement about Nebraska’s new-look offense and weapons, Raiola didn’t seem comfortable challenging Cincinnati’s secondary downfield. On the positive side of things, Raiola was efficient, completing 79% of his passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He spread the ball out to nine different pass-catchers. Beyond the stat sheet, he showed improved athleticism navigating the pocket and escaping when needed. It might not have been the highlight-filled sophomore debut many expected, but there’s worse ways to k
Running Back: B-
Nebraska expects a lot out of Emmett Johnson and put a lot on the senior back on Thursday. Johnson carried the ball 25 times and was targeted another nine times through the air. Considering the challenges the Bearcats’ front presented and what Johnson got from his offensive line, it was a solid day for Nebraska’s bell-cow. He finished the way with 108 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving, averaging just over four yards per touch. The Huskers could use more from the backs behind Johnson. Mekhi Nelson had just one carry for zero yards and Isaiah Mozee had two touches for a combined zero yards.
Wide Receiver: B+
Nebraska’s new additions didn’t take long to make an impact. Raiola connected with Dane Key early on two third downs, which the Kentucky transfer converted. Cal transfer Nyziah Hunter flashed the back-shoulder and contested catch ability that had the Huskers so attracted to him with a 24-yard downfield grab and a five-yard touchdown on a fade in the first half. Both Key and Hunter finished with a touchdown apiece for the Huskers and combined for 116 receiving yards.
Jacory Barney looked to have gotten banged up on his first touch and seemed limited through the remainder of the first half, but finished the day with five receptions for 27 yards. Freshman Cortez Mills had a thirteen yard reception while redshirt freshman Quinn Clark had a seven yard reception.
Offensive Line: D
Nebraska truly relied on a rotation at left tackle to open the game with Gunnar Gottula, Turner Corcoran and Elijah Pritchett each getting a drive with the starting line early on. Pritchett’s false start on the goal line cost Nebraska a potential touchdown, but there was a physical difference up front when the Alabama transfer was out there. The unit performed like a line that’s still figuring out its chemistry. Raiola didn’t seem comfortable progressing through reads at times because of uncertainty up front, he was sacked three times in total and pressured another three times. Nebraska’s trio along the interior faced a tough assignment in Dontay Corleone, who was limited to one tackle, but yards up the middle were tough to come by at times Thursday. The unit wasn’t an outright disaster, and there were glimpses of a unit capable of establishing the run, but the Huskers will have to get more consistent up front before Big Ten play.
Defensive Line: D
Replacing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher was never going to be easy, and the Huskers really felt their absence at times on Thursday. The Huskers struggled against the run early on Thursday then really got caught on their heels in the fourth quarter. Nebraska let up over 200 rushing yards, much of that coming from runs downhill at the Huskers’ front. Williams Nwaneri had a few promising reps off the edge and could become a weapon as a pass-rusher as he continues to settle in. This unit has a ways to go defending the run with what’s ahead of them on the Big Ten schedule.
Linebackers: D
A forced fumble by Vincent Shavers late in the first half helped set up a Nebraska score, but besides that there wasn’t much to write home about the Huskers linebackers Wednesday. Javin Wright had a productive day, but left some opportunities to make plays on the table. At Jack, Dasan McCullough was active, with a few flashes getting after Brendan Sorsby. On the day, Nebraska’s contain duty on Sorsby left something to be desired though. The Huskers will need better discipline and sound tackling mechanics moving forward from their linebacker room if the run defense is expected to improve.
Defensive Backs: A-
Playing at Rover this season, DeShon Singleton looked more comfortable in his role and was active all night, leading the team with seven tackles. At cornerback, it was a quiet night for Andrew Marshall and Ceyair Wright in a good way, Sorsby rarely tested the Huskers outside. On the day, Sorsby threw for just 69 yards, completing 52% of his passes. Donovan Jones flashed in critical moments, with three tackles and a late pass deflection in the win. He’s a young bright spot on this defense. Ceyair Wright of course sealed the win with a late interception. Nebraska’s front seven had some concerning stretches on Thursday, but the secondary lived up to the billing for the most part. Of course, tackling and discipline in run fits could improve across the defense.
Special Teams: B
A lot of eyes were on Mike Ekeler’s unit, namely freshman punter Archie Wilson. Nebraska fans can certainly welcome a relatively mistake-free day from the Huskers’ special teams, save for a kick-off that went out of bounds. Wilson averaged 36.8 yards per punt, pinning Cincinnati inside their 20-yard line three times. The Huskers didn’t get much from their kick or punt return unit, but the handling of kick-offs and punts were sound. Rounding out a solid day from the unit, Kyle Cunanan connected on both of his field goal attempts, including a 52-yard attempt early in the second quarter.