Nebraska football continued its strong start to conference play as it defeated Rutgers 14-7 in a hard-fought battle. The Scarlet Knights were undefeated heading into the matchup but still failed to get their first-ever program win over the Huskers. Here are three takeaways and a question from the win:
Blackshirts have fully arrived
The Nebraska defense had a good outing against Purdue last week but showed its full potential against Rutgers. The Huskers’ front seven put up a stellar performance. They held the Scarlet Knights’ prolific senior running back Kyle Monangai to 78 yards and 4.1 yards per carry. On Rutgers’ first drive of the game, Monangai looked explosive, ripping off multiple runs of 15 yards or more and totaling 34 yards. However, after that point, Monangai was stifled as he only had 44 yards on 15 carries the rest of the way.
Monangai came into the game averaging over 140 yards per game, but Nebraska was prepared for him. The Huskers have struggled with marquee talent in the past, but showed they can handle the country’s best today.
The pass rush also looked elite. Seniors Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher were as destructive as always, but sophomore James Williams was the standout. Williams, who usually only plays on pass-rushing downs, made the most of his few appearances, totaling five tackles and two sacks. His quickness of the edge was tough for the Scarlet Knights to contain as he wreaked havoc every time they looked towards the air.
The secondary also had themselves a day. Even without senior leader Tommi Hill, Nebraska’s defensive backs made massive plays. Junior defensive backs Ceyair Wright and Marques Buford Jr. combined for five pass breakups and two interceptions.
Rutgers’ offense isn’t great, but this performance from the unit will be the benchmark moving forward.
Big-time plays in big-time moments were the X-factor
The big plays are what define a game and Nebraska stepped up when it needed to the most.
Games are won on third down and the Huskers surely did that today. Nebraska thrived in short-yardage situations as it was 6-of-6 on third and shorts (1-4 yards). The Huskers looked towards the run on those plays as all of their third and shorts were converted on the ground. It did not matter who was on the field in short-yardage situations as all three of Nebraska’s running backs converted a third down.
It wasn’t just the offense who stepped up in the high-pressure moments, but the defense as well. Rutgers was just 1-of-5 on third and shorts and 2-of-14 on third downs. However, third downs aren’t the only times the defense stepped up on many big plays.
Maybe the most defining moment of the game was the Huskers goal-line stand midway through the third quarter. The Scarlet Knights started the drive on Nebraska’s two-yard line after a blocked punt, however, they were stuffed by the Blackshirts. On six plays, Rutgers did not muster a single yard.
The catastrophic loss to Illinois was only two weeks ago, but Nebraska seems to have learned from it. It almost seems uncharacteristic for the Huskers to step up in big moments after years of misery, however, they look like a new team.
Raiola looks shaky
Nebraska’s overall effort was exceptional, however, freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola had his worst performance of the season up to this point. Raiola finished the game 13-of-27 for 134 yards and an interception.
Raiola looked indecisive on many plays, leading to multiple sacks. When he did have a target, Raiola made it obvious, telegraphing a lot of his throws. He got away with it for a while, however he did eventually throw an interception right into the hands of senior defensive back Flip Dixon.
A lot of Raiola’s passes looked flat. The high winds may have played a factor; however, the wind didn’t make him completely miss his targets. Raiola was due for a dud; however, it is a bit surprising that a performance like this happened midway through the season rather than the start.
Raiola will figure out his woes, but it is concerning to see this much vulnerability from the freshman phenom.
How will the Nebraska offense keep up with Indiana?
Nebraska’s highest point total this year was 40 in its season opener against UTEP. Indiana has eclipsed that total in each of its last five games.
The Hoosiers’ dynamic offense is averaging 513 yards per game and has been successful on the ground and through the air. Senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been one of the best in the conference and has been the team’s leader. Indiana has many dynamic weapons for Rourke to use and the Huskers will have to figure out how to adapt.
Nebraska has a week off to gameplan for the Hoosiers, but that is a tall task. The Huskers’ defense has had trouble handling high-tempo offenses, so it may be on the Huskers’ offense to keep up. Nebraska’s offense hasn’t played quickly but may have to adapt on the fly. Indiana will be the Huskers’ toughest test this season and will likely be playing in a ranked matchup in Bloomington.