For the primary time in 5 years and 7 days, Nebraska will take the sphere Saturday evening with an Related Press High 25 quantity subsequent to its identify.
The Cornhuskers jumped into the AP ballot at No. 23 due to final week’s dominant effort in opposition to Colorado — they usually’ll attempt to construct on that versus a Northern Iowa squad that is off to its first 2-0 begin in 11 years.
Second-year coach Matt Rhule has Nebraska off to its first 2-0 begin since 2016, which doubles as the newest 12 months that the Huskers posted a successful report and performed in a bowl recreation.
“It is the place we should always in all probability be, nevertheless it’s not the place we need to be, proper?” Rhule mentioned. “My (three) youngsters are excited, so glad for them. My gamers are in all probability excited, however we have larger plans than that.
“We come right here to have excessive expectations. You come right here to play in large video games. You come right here to play in entrance of that crowd, you already know? We anticipate to be ranked, however no matter it’s — twenty third, twenty fourth — that is not the place we need to find yourself. So go 1-0 every week and see what occurs.”
Thus far, what has occurred is a pair of blowouts in entrance of 86,000-plus at Memorial Stadium — a 40-7 defeat of UTEP, adopted by the 28-10 win over Colorado final Saturday. Nebraska’s offense, led by freshman Dylan Raiola, has been balanced and almost mistake-free. Raiola has hit on 73.7 % of his 57 throws for 423 yards, three touchdowns and no picks.
“What you see on offense is pace,” mentioned Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley, whose program is going through Nebraska for the primary time in his 23-plus years on the helm. “You see that pace that perhaps they have not had earlier than. It isn’t simply common pace, it is completely different pace.”
In the meantime, the Huskers’ protection has racked up eight sacks and 4 turnovers whereas permitting simply 8.5 factors and 232.5 yards per recreation. Each of the latter stats rank among the many high 25 within the nation. Defensive sort out Ty Robinson leads the Huskers with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
“The factor I am watching about Nebraska proper now’s the perspective of their staff, how they’re taking part in, versus perhaps a few years in the past,” Farley mentioned. “Everyone is aware of you bought custom. Hell, we acquired custom. You watch the protection and the protection is hard, sturdy and quick. That is a tough mixture. That is why they solely gave up 16 (dashing) yards final week. I believe they’re fifth in dashing protection throughout the nation.”
That is not excellent news for a Northern Iowa squad that stacked up 597 yards and 4 touchdowns on the bottom of their first two video games in opposition to FCS foes Valparaiso and St. Thomas. Senior Tye Edwards has 310 yards dashing.
“Each run he is operating onerous,” Farley mentioned. “Whether or not it is a 1-yard achieve or a 20-yard achieve, that man is hitting the outlet the way in which he is speculated to, he is seeing the sphere good. His depth of play might be what’s making him have the success he is having proper now.”
–Subject Degree Media