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Here we go again. That’s undoubtedly the thought many Nebraska fans (and probably some players) had in Thursday night’s season opener.
After staking the team to a 10-3 lead early in the fourth quarter, Nebraska climbed as high as a 94% win probability per ESPN with 5 minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, 2 turnovers in the final 5 minutes swung the matchup with the Gophers scoring 10 unanswered points to steal the win.
Fortunately, there were some positives for Nebraska to build on moving forward. However, as Matt Rhule said, there is no such thing as a close loss. A loss is a loss, and Husker fans have seen enough narrow margins to not put much stock in anything but a win at this point.
Player of the Week: DB Omar Brown
Nebraska’s defense was the star of the show, even in defeat. Brown also made a strong case as the top performer from that unit.
Brown finished tied with DeShon Singleton for the team-high with 7 total tackles. The edge for the award went to Brown due to his 5 solo stops on the evening and his interception, the first for Nebraska under Rhule.
As a whole, Nebraska’s secondary flashed in the game with the unit producing a number of stops. It will certainly be a unit to watch moving forward.
Newcomer of the Week: QB Jeff Sims
Okay, Sims had a number of miscues in the game (more on that in a bit), but the QB deserves a nod for the positive things he did. Fans expected Sims to be a dual-threat performer and he did not disappoint in that regard.
Sims led Nebraska’s rushing attack with 91 yards on 19 carries, and it was usually Sims using his legs that gave the Minnesota defense trouble. Turnovers aside, Sims completed 11-of-19 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
That efficiency in yardage will need to improve, and the running back room will need to do more of the lifting in the ground game. But, for now, there should be no QB controversy in Lincoln.
Biggest surprise: Defense up to the task out of the gate
With a new starting QB in Athan Kaliakmanis, Minnesota went to an old-school approach of pounding the ball and utilizing a short passing attack for much of the night. Nebraska’s defense was up to the task and shut down Minnesota’s ground game.
The Gophers did finally find the end zone in the fourth quarter. However, it’s worth noting that play came on 4th-and-10 and was only achieved via a perfectly placed ball and remarkable toe-tap grab.
When it was all said and done, the Gophers managed just 55 rushing yards and averaged 2.2 yards per carry in the game. As long as Nebraska’s defense keeps up that work, the Huskers will be able to hang in most games this season.
Biggest concern: Turnovers
The biggest concerns related to Jeff Sims running the offense were already related to turnovers. In 3 seasons at Georgia Tech, Sims threw 23 interceptions despite some electric performances. That issue cropped up again in the season opener, sometimes coming at the worst possible moments.
At the end of the first half, Nebraska was in prime position to at least kick a field goal, but a disastrous pass by Sims was picked off in the end zone. Then, with Nebraska looking to drive for a game-winner, Sims threw his 3rd pick of the night just past midfield.
The issues were not just related to Sims. Anthony Grant also fumbled late in the fourth quarter. Grant’s fumble issues were documented by Rhule during training camp, and it all added up to 4 total turnovers for the Huskers.
Developing trend: Another one-score affair
I will save Nebraska fans the pain of revisiting the past results under Scott Frost. Unfortunately, Rhule’s tenure begins with an early theme experienced all too often for the Huskers.
Key stat: 55 rushing yards allowed
It’s clear Nebraska has lost interest in simply staying close in defeat, and for good reason. Losses don’t build a program or boost a fanbase, and the Huskers need something positive to turn things around.
The good news is the defense showed in Week 1 it can be a unit to rely on. The secondary will be tested down the road, but the early returns are positive.
First impression about Week 2 at Colorado
Prior to the season, Nebraska was likely expected to be a favorite on the road against Colorado. After the road loss to Minnesota and Colorado’s dynamic victory at TCU, the Huskers now head into Week 2 as a slight underdog to the Buffs.
At the end of the day, this game is likely to be another close one, provided the Husker defense and secondary can help limit Shedeur Sanders. Jeff Sims will also need to protect the ball and always have a watchful eye out for the location of Colorado’s Travis Hunter.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.