Nebraska is 1-0 after a 49-21 win over Ohio, and the second act comes under the lights. The Huskers host Bowling Green on Saturday, September 12, at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m. Central on FS1.
Where the Huskers stand
The opener was a tale of two halves. Nebraska trailed 13-7 in the second quarter, then scored 35 points after halftime and finished with 523 yards of offense. Anthony Colandrea threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns in his debut, and freshman Jamal Rule ran for 122 yards and scored three times.
Matt Rhule was pleased with the effort and blunt about the mistakes. His list this week included tackling, containing quarterback scrambles and offensive line technique. He also called the team’s nine penalties unacceptable. Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos ran for 70 yards last week, so the scramble problem is a real one.
What to know about Bowling Green
The Falcons are led by second-year head coach Eddie George, the former Heisman Trophy winner. Bowling Green went 4-8 last season and was picked ninth in the MAC this year. The Falcons opened with a 20-13 home loss to Tarleton State of the FCS.
There are still players to respect. Quarterback Jay Kastantin completed 24 of 30 passes for 262 yards in the opener, and tight end Jeremiah Scoby caught 10 passes for 102 yards.
This is the first meeting between the two programs. Bowling Green joined the schedule after Nebraska canceled its series with Tennessee.
Three things to watch
- A faster start. Nebraska gave up a 68-yard pass on the first snap of the season. The defense under new coordinator Rob Aurich will want to set the tone early this time.
- Fewer flags. Nine penalties for 65 yards did not cost the Huskers against Ohio. That will not hold once Big Ten play begins.
- The running back rotation. Rule made a loud first impression, and Mekhi Nelson scored twice. Watch how the carries are divided in week two.
Nebraska is favored by about 30 points. With a home crowd and a night kickoff, this is a chance to put a complete game together before the schedule gets tougher. Go Big Red.
Dr. Bruce Marko is a University of Nebraska alum and a proud supporter of the Huskers. Read more about his Nebraska Cornhuskers roots.
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