My wife during the Northwestern/Nebraska game on Saturday said, It must feel bad fling all the way to Ireland to lose”. Well, my friends, the Nebraska Cornhuskers did just that this past Saturday. Nebraska was before the game a heavy-favorite to beat the Wildcats, but sadly began trending on Twitter after the upset. The Cornhuskers disappointing loss put more fuel on the fire for HC Scott Frost whose seat was already scorched.
Earlier last week, I wrote my preview and prediction on the two BIG Ten schools looking for a bounce back 2022 season. Maybe some family roots in my blood made for the bias selection, but you take those to the chin from time to time. Here are my takeaways from the disappointing start to the season.
Takeaways From Nebraska
What was Scott Frost Thinking onside kicking up 28-17?
Scott Frost attempting an onside kick… pic.twitter.com/oHyCCBzhGJ
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 27, 2022
What all Nebraska and college football fans are asking themselves about the decision. The Cornhuskers after recovering a fumble looked to have put this game to rest after the back-to-back TD’s up 28-17. Then to decide to onside kick and NOT fool Northwestern, nor recover the ball gave the Wildcats the momentum and a short field. Nebraska all day could not stop this Wildcats offense and the decision back fired on Scott Frost.
QB Casey Thompson to WR Trey Palmer looks Automatic
The new transfer duo in Lincoln looked good against the Northwestern Zone defense on Saturday. Palmer, who transferred from LSU, caught 8 passes for 68 yards. Most of Palmer’s damaged came mainly on their first drive which resulted to an early 7-0 lead. HC Frost and OC Mark Whipple made a HUGE mistake going away from Palmer the 2nd half. Look for the two to hook up plenty of times down the road.
The Defense was ATROCIOUS
My sweet baby Jesus. The Cornhuskers were atrocious on defense against the Wildcats. What many thought was a solid unit last season. In Week 0 it is expected for rust, miscommunication, and mistakes to happen. Nebraska did all three 1000 times worse. Allowing 214 yards on the ground with 47 rush attempts made this Huskers defense exhausted. Not to mention making Wildcats QB, Ryan Hilinski, look like Peyton Manning out there did not help at all.
New Year, Same Problems
When you think, change is going to happen, but sadly it does not for the Cornhuskers. Last year, they struggled in two areas: 1) Turnovers and 2) Field Position. What happen yesterday? Three turnovers and too many possessions at their 10-yard line or closer. You can say that those three turnovers costed Nebraska 9-21 points depending on result.
Lastly…..
Nebraska entered the game as 13-point favorites against the Wildcats in Ireland and blew it. The Cornhuskers once held leads of 14-3 and 28-17 and both times let Northwestern go on 14-0 runs and win the 1st half, 2nd half, and the game. How things change blowing out Northwestern 56-7 last season to lose 31-28 this season.
What’s The Road Ahead?
Well, now that the Cornhuskers disappointing loss is out of the way early, there are games still to be won! The Huskers will host an FCS opponent, North Dakota, next Saturday as a home opener. I expect the Huskers to handle their business (fingers crossed) and secure an easy victory next week. Hope the Huskers become organized and prepare for their 4-game home stretch.