Nebraska closed out non-conference play with a workmanlike 34-7 victory over North Dakota on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium, improving to 3-0 and staying undefeated in the pre-Big Ten slate for the third straight season. The Huskers piled up 493 total yards, including a stout 277 on the ground, while the defense limited a high-powered FCS offense to just 205 yards and sacked quarterback Jerry Kaminski five times. Anthony Colandrea was efficient under center and added a rushing touchdown, but the night belonged to the ground game and a defense that forced the Fighting Hawks into repeated three-and-outs. Here are my three takeaways:
1. Special teams may be a problem
The unit continues to show a need for improvement. Nebraska averaged just 39 yards per punt, Kyle Cunanan missed a 54-yard field goal attempt, and one of the better punt returns of the night was called back on a holding penalty - yet again. Football is a three-phase game, and all phases will be needed in conference play. The good news is the coverage and overall discipline have improved in other areas, but special teams still needs to become a consistent strength rather than a lingering question mark as the Big Ten schedule arrives.
2. Offense showed some different looks
Nebraska lined up under center a lot more than we had seen earlier in the season, mixing in singleback and I-formation looks that added a physical, old-school flavor to the attack. The result was a dominant rushing performance with a total of 277 yards on the ground. Freshman Jamal Rule led the way with 119 yards and two touchdowns, including a 55-yard burst that essentially put the game away early in the third quarter. Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee both chipped in solid chunks as well. It was balanced, physical football that controlled the line of scrimmage and kept the clock moving.
3. The score is fine
The final margin could have been bigger, but the Huskers liked to control the game on offense and get out of there clean against one of the better FCS teams looking to play spoiler. The defense held North Dakota to just seven points, and the backups were in early in the fourth quarter. That combination of ball control, rest for the starters, and a complete defensive effort is exactly what you want heading into conference play. Nebraska did what it needed to do—no more, no less—and left Memorial Stadium 3-0 with momentum and healthier legs. Would some more explosive pass plays from Colandrea been nice? Sure. But they weren't needed.
