Grading Nebraska’s efficiency in 23-20 over Cincinnati

[ad_1] It wasn’t the flashy offensive displaying many anticipated from Nebraska on Thursday however the Huskers gutted out a 23-20 win over Cincinnati. There have been some promising moments, however loads of moments that confirmed this workforce would possibly want a while to achieve the potential the workers sees in them. The largest takeaway popping out of Thursday’s win? Nebraska has a number of key areas that want enchancment earlier than Large Ten play.

Right here’s an evaluation of every place group in Thursday’s 23-20 win.

Quarterback: C- The primary displaying of Dylan Raiola‘s sophomore season was a combined bag comparatively. He appeared uncomfortable at instances progressing by way of reads within the face of stress, although that might be the results of rotating tackles. There are performs the sophomore seemingly desires again, he almost threw a game-changing choose six on fourth down, progressed by way of a number of performs too gradual and was fortunate to leap again on a ball stripped from his palms. For all the joy about Nebraska’s new-look offense and weapons, Raiola didn’t appear comfy difficult Cincinnati’s secondary downfield. On the optimistic facet of issues, Raiola was environment friendly, finishing 79% of his passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He unfold the ball out to 9 totally different pass-catchers. Past the stat sheet, he confirmed improved athleticism navigating the pocket and escaping when wanted. It won't have been the highlight-filled sophomore debut many anticipated, however there’s worse methods to ok

Operating Again: B- Nebraska expects lots out of Emmett Johnson and put lots on the senior again on Thursday. Johnson carried the ball 25 instances and was focused one other 9 instances by way of the air. Contemplating the challenges the Bearcats’ entrance offered and what Johnson obtained from his offensive line, it was a strong day for Nebraska’s bell-cow. He completed the way in which with 108 yards speeding and 27 yards receiving, averaging simply over 4 yards per contact. The Huskers may use extra from the backs behind Johnson. Mekhi Nelson had only one carry for zero yards and Isaiah Mozee had two touches for a mixed zero yards.

Large Receiver: B+ Nebraska’s new additions didn’t take lengthy to make an affect. Raiola linked with Dane Key early on two third downs, which the Kentucky switch transformed. Cal switch Nyziah Hunter flashed the back-shoulder and contested catch means that had the Huskers so interested in him with a 24-yard downfield seize and a five-yard landing on a fade within the first half. Each Key and Hunter completed with a landing apiece for the Huskers and mixed for 116 receiving yards.

Jacory Barney seemed to have gotten banged up on his first contact and appeared restricted by way of the rest of the primary half, however completed the day with 5 receptions for 27 yards. Freshman Cortez Mills had a 13 yard reception whereas redshirt freshman Quinn Clark had a seven yard reception.

Offensive Line: D Nebraska really relied on a rotation at left sort out to open the sport with Gunnar Gottula, Turner Corcoran and Elijah Pritchett every getting a drive with the beginning line early on. Pritchett’s false begin on the aim line value Nebraska a possible landing, however there was a bodily distinction up entrance when the Alabama switch was on the market. The unit carried out like a line that’s nonetheless determining its chemistry. Raiola didn’t appear comfy progressing by way of reads at instances due to uncertainty up entrance, he was sacked thrice in complete and pressured one other thrice. Nebraska’s trio alongside the inside confronted a troublesome task in Dontay Corleone, who was restricted to at least one sort out, however yards up the center had been powerful to return by at instances Thursday. The unit wasn’t an outright catastrophe, and there have been glimpses of a unit able to establishing the run, however the Huskers should get extra constant up entrance earlier than Large Ten play.

Defensive Line: D Changing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher was by no means going to be straightforward, and the Huskers actually felt their absence at instances on Thursday. The Huskers struggled in opposition to the run early on Thursday then actually obtained caught on their heels within the fourth quarter. Nebraska let up over 200 speeding yards, a lot of that coming from runs downhill on the Huskers’ entrance. Williams Nwaneri had a number of promising reps off the sting and will turn into a weapon as a pass-rusher as he continues to settle in. This unit has a methods to go defending the run with what’s forward of them on the Large Ten schedule.

Linebackers: D A compelled fumble by Vincent Shavers late within the first half helped arrange a Nebraska rating, however in addition to that there wasn’t a lot to put in writing house in regards to the Huskers linebackers Wednesday. Javin Wright had a productive day, however left some alternatives to make performs on the desk. At Jack, Dasan McCullough was lively, with a number of flashes getting after Brendan Sorsby. On the day, Nebraska’s comprise obligation on Sorsby left one thing to be desired although. The Huskers will want higher self-discipline and sound tackling mechanics shifting ahead from their linebacker room if the run protection is predicted to enhance.

Defensive Backs: A- Taking part in at Rover this season, DeShon Singleton seemed extra comfy in his function and was lively all night time, main the workforce with seven tackles. At cornerback, it was a quiet night time for Andrew Marshall and Ceyair Wright in a great way, Sorsby hardly ever examined the Huskers exterior. On the day, Sorsby threw for simply 69 yards, finishing 52% of his passes. Donovan Jones flashed in vital moments, with three tackles and a late move deflection within the win. He’s a younger vibrant spot on this protection. Ceyair Wright after all sealed the win with a late interception. Nebraska’s entrance seven had some regarding stretches on Thursday, however the secondary lived as much as the billing for essentially the most half. In fact, tackling and self-discipline in run suits may enhance throughout the protection.

Particular Groups: B Plenty of eyes had been on Mike Ekeler’s unit, particularly freshman punter Archie Wilson. Nebraska followers can actually welcome a comparatively mistake-free day from the Huskers’ particular groups, save for a kick-off that went out of bounds. Wilson averaged 36.8 yards per punt, pinning Cincinnati inside their 20-yard line thrice. The Huskers didn’t get a lot from their kick or punt return unit, however the dealing with of kick-offs and punts had been sound. Rounding out a strong day from the unit, Kyle Cunanan linked on each of his discipline aim makes an attempt, together with a 52-yard try early within the second quarter.