Nebraska moved to 3-0 for the third straight season with its 34-7 win over North Dakota. Though not as efficient as their win over Bowling Green, the Huskers still showed signs of improvement, making plays in areas that have been either quiet or in need of such improvement.
However, other areas continue to show the problems that need to be addressed despite an overall successful night. With Big Ten play all that lays ahead, such problems can become critical factors in conference games.
Here are the position grades from Nebraska’s 34-7 win over North Dakota.
Quarterbacks: B+
Colandrea battled the wind on Saturday, leading Nebraska's offense to a more run-heavy approach. Despite that, he still coordinated an efficient night, going 15-of-21 for 195 yards and one touchdown.
Colandrea also picked up 19 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries. TJ Lateef and Daniel Kaelin also got touches under center, finishing a combined 3-of-5 for 21 yards.
But while the wind did play a factor, Colandrea still had a few off-target throws. Though nothing turned over, the off-target tosses ended potential touchdown drives. Plays like that can become critical in close games, so Colandrea needs to tighten up.
Nebraska also leaned on the run due to the wind, which at times stalled drives. Enduring the elements will be a crucial factor once winter rolls in. If the Huskers want to remain an efficient offense come November, they need to be able to strike from the ground and the air.
Running Backs: A-
Though the running back room was leaned on significantly, it delivered another stellar outing. The group totaled 247 rushing yards on 38 carries to average 6.5 yards per carry. Jamal Rule once again struck big for Nebraska, tallying 119 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns, which included a 55-yard score, his second 50-yard strike of the season.
Rule also caught two passes for 35 yards, one for 33. Mekhi Nelson once again gained yardage on the ground, finishing with 54 yards on nine carries. Isaiah Mozee also got 40 rushing yards on 10 carries. Kwinten Ives picked up 30 yards on a single carry.
However, not every carry resulted in a big run. That was mainly because North Dakota’s defense anticipated the run and brought more defenders to slow the ground game. But even when the Fighting Hawks challenged the run, Nebraska still managed to pick up big carries.
The Huskers have always relied on the run, and opponents will keep challenging them. With three regular backs getting touches, Nebraska can be a dangerous backfield. But the group needs to stay strong as Big Ten play begins.
Wide Receivers: B+
Though Nebraska was limited in the air and only completed 18 passes, the group still managed to spread the ball around. On the night, eight receivers earned a grab and three of them got a reception of 20 yards or greater.
Kwazi Gilmer and Nyziah Hunter each snatched three passes. Gilmer earned 42 total yards. Gilmer also helped set up Rule's 55-yard touchdown run, another thing the receiving corps needs. Hunter finished with 24 but was recorded with a drop.
Jacory Barney Jr. and Quinn Clark both grabbed two receptions. Barney picked up 35 yards, including a 29-yard grab in tight coverage. Clark got 13 and a firm five-yard touchdown grab that helped cap off the uneven night.
Luke Lindenmeyer caught only one pass, but he turned it into a 33-yard reception after breaking a couple of tackles. Lindenmeyer also got a hand on a third-down pass that was thrown behind him, but couldn’t haul it in. Such a play can go either way, but big plays will need to happen when it comes to Big Ten games.
Offensive Line: B
Along with another strong run game, the pipeline finished without allowing a sack for the first time this season. That’s already a good sign, even if it was against an FCS team. The line needs to protect Colandrea, so if they can keep him off the turf, that’s a positive.
But, as mentioned before, the run game got swallowed up at times, and Colandrea was tackled for a loss once on the night. The line faced challenges from North Dakota’s defense once it started adding up numbers in the trenches. What's more is that it took time until the group managed to properly adjust.
Though they did adjust, losing a few drives because of a lack of a run game cannot happen. Relying on the run or facing a more blitz-heavy defense can make the pipeline more vulnerable. That’s the line's main challenge this season. If it can go toe-to-toe with the best the Big Ten has to offer, Nebraska's offense stands a chance.
Defensive Line: B+
Nebraska’s defense practically swallowed up North Dakota at times on Saturday night. The line especially clogged up any holes for the Fighting Hawks to run through for most of the game, resulting in just 99 rushing yards on 36 carries for a 2.8 average.
The group also produced two and a half sacks, with Riley Van Poppel and Jahsear Washington each getting to the quarterback. Owen Stoudmire earned half a sack. That’s the best performance by the line this season against an offense that has been very efficient to start the season.
But these successful moments weren't solely due to the line's performance. North Dakota’s Jerry Kaminski hung on to the ball too long in the pocket and rarely took off downfield, allowing for these sacks. That's not say the line still didn't bring the pressure. It still found its way into the backfield and flustered Kaminski or got to the run.
The goal now is being able to do it against a Big Ten team, which is not an easy task. Even if the group can breach the line, the next goal is getting to the quarterback as quickly as possible. Some of these Big Ten quarterbacks are known for making things happen when the pocket collapses, so the line needs to be ready for more elusive play.
Linebackers: B+
The second level also made itself known in the backfield. Dawson Merritt got a sack, and Owen Chambliss earned half a sack. As a collective, the linebackers helped prevent major leaks and flew around to make plays.
However, not every linebacker breach into the backfield resulted in a big play for the Blackshirts. On top of that, the second level also had a leak here and there. Kaminski and Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson each broke out 22-yard runs, something that other Big Ten quarterbacks can exploit.
This group is moving in the right direction. It just needs to keep moving forward and be ready for Big Ten action.
Defensive Backs: B-
Heading into the game, Kaminski threw for over 230 yards in each of his first three games and over 330 yards in one game. He also averaged a completion percentage of over 70 percent. Against Nebraska, he finished 9-of-18 for 106 yards.
Though other factors contributed to Kaminski’s struggles, the Huskers’ secondary did a solid job limiting the aerial attack. This allowed for many of Nebraska’s sacks because Kaminski couldn't find a target despite having time in the pocket. Donovan Jones even got a sack. But mistakes in this win have been present these past few weeks. A few missed tackles led to extra yardage and some receivers still got open.
Yet, the biggest moments occurred on four specific plays. North Dakota reached the red zone twice on Saturday. On both of those drives, the secondary got penalized, allowing for the Fighting Hawks to reach the red zone. North Dakota was 1-for-2 in the redzone. The team scored on a seven-yard touchdown pass. Then, in the fourth, Kaminski's intended target tripped, preventing either a third-down conversion or possibly another touchdown reception.
The secondary played well, but penalties and open receivers shouldn't be part of the discussion moving forward. Nebraska's defense cannot do anything to give life to a Big Ten offense; otherwise, the close game will not go its way.
Special Teams: B+
For the second straight game, Nebraska missed a field goal and a penalty negated a good punt return. Kyle Cunanan’s career-long is from 52 yards, so coming up short on another 55-yard kick is both troubling and understandable.
But if a game comes down to a long kick, Cunanan needs to step up. Outside the missed kick, however, he still finished 2-for-3 on the night. If Cunanan can get over the hump, make a longer kick, and stay consistent, he should be able to take another big step as a kicker.
Archie Wilson delivered three strong punts for the Huskers after not needing to step on the field last week. He flipped the field twice and pinned North Dakota down on another punt.
Barney totaled 25 punt return yards on three attempts, but another return was called back due to a penalty. The group is itching for a bigger return. However, the penalties and blocking are preventing the third phase from taking that step.
Overall, another uneventful night, which does have its positives. But sooner or later, the third phase is going to be the deciding factor in a game. If Nebraska cannot find a way to break through on special teams, a loss or two may be the result.
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Report card from Nebraska's uneven 34-7 win over North Dakota
