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Rapid Reaction: Nebraska survives challenge, scare from FCS North Dakota for Week 1 win
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: North Dakota 17, Nebraska 38
Brief Recap: Well, some familiar struggles cropped up for Nebraska in Week 1 against North Dakota. Missed tackles on defense, a lackluster effort from the offensive line, multiple special teams miscues and some dumb decisions and lapses had an impact on the game.
Heading to halftime, North Dakota appeared to have all the momentum after giving up a quick touchdown to start the game. After falling behind 7-0, the Hawks controlled the time of possession and locked down the Nebraska offense. Scott Frost expressed disappointment about the offense heading into halftime.
Fortunately, coming out of the break the offense was much more efficient in the second half. It included a quick touchdown drive with Casey Thompson engineering that scoring possession.
In the end, running back Anthony Grant made big plays and helped Nebraska keep the chains moving and put points up on the scoreboard. The Huskers finally carved out some breathing room in the fourth quarter and were able to ice things away down the stretch.
Key Player: Though Casey Thompson played well – save for a few mistakes – the player of the game absolutely goes to RB Anthony Grant. The Huskers might have a number of bodies in the backfield, but is Grant who has solidified himself as the lead back for the offense.
When the final whistle blew, Grant had carried the ball 23 times for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns against North Dakota. That translates to 8.2 yards per carry and included a 46-yard touchdown run.
Key Stat: 6, yards per carry for Nebraska before going into kneel-down made very late in the fourth quarter. In the season-opening loss to Northwestern, the Huskers got away from the rushing game and finished with 110 yards on the ground on 3.1 yards per carry.
Against North Dakota, Nebraska kept the run game in motion with the Huskers piling up over 240 yards rushing and much-improved efficiency in the ground game.
What it means moving forward: For now, it means Scott Frost lives to see another day coaching the Huskers after finishing the game on a tear offensively. Had the Huskers dropped this one – to an FCS opponent at home – it would have been tough to see Frost living to see another day, regardless of the drop in buyout figures once the calendar hits October.
Now, Nebraska will move on to face Georgia Southern next weekend before ending the September schedule with a matchup vs. Oklahoma. The good news? Saturday marked the first of a 4-game home stretch in Lincoln.
Hopefully, Nebraska continues to get better and improve while playing at home.
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.