Nebraska Gets Statement Win Against 'Coach Prime,' Buffaloes

© Dylan Widger - Imagn Images

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0) handled the Colorado Buffaloes (1-1) inside of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln Neb., 28-10 on Sept. 7. Nebraska had this game under control from their first drive scoring on a Dante Dowdell 12-yard rushing touchdown. The Colorado offensive line played like they did last year allowing the Nebraska defense to pressure quarterback Shedeur Sanders throughout the game and giving up 6 sacks.

Game Summary

Nebraska's second touchdown came on a Sanders pick-6 by defensive back Tommi Hill. The Cornhuskers were able to tack on another rushing touchdown by Dowdell and an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dylan Raiola to running back Rahmir Johnson extending the halftime lead to 28-0. The Nebraska offense would stall in the second half but it would not matter with the Husker defense dominating the Buffaloes. Colorado would get some points in the second half with an opening-drive field goal and a 5-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester.

Player of the Game for Nebraska

QB Dylan Raiola: The freshman QB completed 23-of-30 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. The numbers for Raiola were not elite in this game but he was able to play mistake-free football.

During its down period in the last seven years, Nebraska has been plagued by turnovers, including four in last season's loss to Colorado. The Cornhuskers needed a field general that would not give away possessions and Raiola is looking to be the man for that job.

What It Means

Head coach Matt Rhule is turning around another program in college football. This game was a program statement game against their rival that was a must-win to get back to relevancy. Nebraska has a favorable schedule this year with the toughest remaining games on the schedule being at No. 2 Ohio State (2-0) and at No. 13 USC (2-0). With Northern Iowa (2-0) coming up next week Nebraska should start the season 3-0.

Colorado could be in trouble again this season. The offensive line was not good during this game and the defense struggled to get off the field, especially in the first half. There were some key injuries on the defense in this game including safety Shilo Sanders. Colorado has in-state rival Colorado State (1-1) next week who will give the Buffaloes their best shot before starting Big 12 Conference play.