Final Score: Colorado 34 #25 Nebraska 31

Brief Recap: Nebraska looked like it had the game in the bag. The Huskers led 17-0 at halftime and the defense looked entirely different than it did a season ago. That all changed in the second half. The Buffaloes scored 31 points in the second half and exposed what many believed to be the Huskers’ Achilles heel this season — their defense.

Key Moment: With 14:22 remaining in the game, Nebraska led 17-7. Momentum was going Colorado’s way, though. That proved to be the case as Colorado ran a flea-flicker on its own 4-yard-line that ended up going 96 yards for a TD. The play was the longest in school history.

Key Stat: Colorado threw for 375 yards against Nebraska. The overall passing statistic is an overused one, but in this game, it meant everything. The Buffaloes needed to throw to get back into the game because they couldn’t run it against the Huskers — finishing with 89 rushing yards compared to Nebraska’s 295. Colorado QB Steven Montez utilized not only a future first round NFL Draft pick in Laviska Shenault, but his other play-makers as well against a vulnerable Husker defense.

Key Player: Colorado QB Steven Montez. Montez completed 28-of-41 passes for 375 yards and 2 TD compared to 1 INT. Montez wasn’t perfect, but in the second half, he did exactly what he needed to do. He tested the Huskers’ secondary and they couldn’t respond. Shenault actually only had 5 catches for 31 yards in this game, which shows Montez’s ability as a signal caller.

What it Means: Nebraska is now 1-1 overall and still has a problem on defense. Sure, the offense got better. Quarterback Adrian Martinez was 9-of-9 in the first half and played great football. In the second half, he showed some clutch traits and Nebraska’s young play-makers made some plays. The defense, however, is still an issue. In order to beat teams like Wisconsin, Iowa and even Purdue, the Blackshirts need to play a full 60-minute game — not just a 30-minute one.