Week 2 Reflections

      The only thing I didn't want to have happen with Nebraska playing at Colorado was to get blown out and look terrible in front of everyone watching around the nation. However, the Huskers found yet another way to disappoint me (and the rest of Husker Nation) as they were trashed by the Buffaloes 36-14. The Deion Show was in full force out in Boulder and despite a strong defensive effort early, the tragedy that is the Huskers offense led the way to the team's demise. This post breaks down the game out in Boulder along with other big highlights from across College Football. As usual, I have everything you need to know about the game broken down into my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD categories.

GOOD - Husker pass rush. Surprisingly enough, despite the struggles of the team, Nebraska's defense leads the nation with 11 sacks so far this season. Most of the damage came against the Buffaloes as the Blackshirts racked up 8 on Saturday morning. Shedeur Sanders played very well, but he was getting blasted throughout the game by the Husker pass rush. This is an element we have not seen in quite some time from the Huskers, so hopefully it sticks around. The previous highest ranking for Nebraska in sacks for the season was 65th in 2016.

EXPECTED - Colorado's offensive firepower. While the efficiency of their offense dropped at the hands of the Huskers, the Buffs still put up nearly 400 yards through the air and 36 points. Their receivers made big plays when it mattered and Shedeur made all the big throws. Regardless of how you feel about Prime Time and his squad, they can (and will) put up points.

BAD - Jeff Sims and the Husker offense. There's not much else that comes close to this topic. The Huskers have been dominant on the ground, but turnovers and failed drives destroy any positives the run game tries to develop. Jeff Sims has been a particular area of concern as he's accounted for 7 turnovers in just 8 quarters of play. Multiple botched snaps on Saturday had Husker fans (myself included) calling for him to be benched following halftime. He followed it up in the second half with a fabulous TD run, but was otherwise ineffective and inefficient throughout the rest of his time in the game. Personally, this is why I don't think Matt Rhule should have told Casey Thompson to transfer. I understand there is a heavy dose of QB runs in this offense, but the lack of a forward passing attack is very limiting. Especially with an inexperienced receiver corps, this offense needs to find solutions fast.

Overall, this was a frustrating performance on a number of fronts. Not only did the Huskers lose to rival Colorado, but they did so with another performance that feature more personal trouble inflicted upon themselves rather than the other team. Colorado certainly cranked up their performance in the second half, but they punted 4 straight times to start the game. Nebraska needs to start taking advantage of these situations.

Other thoughts from CFB Week 2:

- Is Texas back? Steve Sarkisian and the Horns went into Bryant-Denny Stadium and beat the tide on their home turf 34-24. Quinn Ewers threw for 349 and 3 TDs on the Tide while Bama QB Jalen Milroe had a couple of bad interceptions that helped tipped things in favor of Texas. Quite the statement for a team about to join the SEC.

- Elsewhere around the Big XII, Utah and Oregon pulled off narrow victories on the road against Baylor and Texas Tech respectfully. These were tough games that came down to the wire, but the PAC-12 came out victorious in both.

- Kansas dismantled Illinois on Friday night and my pick for the BIG 10 West Division Crown is looking a bit shaky after that game. The Jayhawks looked badass in their all black uniforms though!

- The Irish survive a tricky road test agains the NC State Wolfpack and Sam Hartman threw for 4 TDs. Look for him to be in the Heisman mix this year if Notre Dame continues to have strong success.

- The Tar Heels nearly got stuck with an L in their trap game against Appalachian State. They survived with a 40-34 double overtime victory.

- Despite not having star QB Michael Pratt available, the Green Wave hung around with the Rebels of Ole Miss. This team could certainly get back to a New Year's Six Bowl.

- Wisconsin's ground game was shut down for just 91 yards as the Cougars of Wazzu pulled off an incredible upset at home behind the talented Charlie Ward at QB.

- Miami's defense came to play this season, and their offense is starting to find rhythm. Look out for the Hurricanes in 2023.

- The Boilermakers pull one off on the road after a weather delay and Ryan Walters gets his first win as head honcho of the train-people.

- Once again the Cyclones waste a perfect opportunity to shove it to Iowa, but a nod to them for keeping the Hawkeyes below that 25 poitn average.

- Michigan State had a nice win, unfortunately their Head Coach Mel Tucker is now suspended as there is an ongoing investigation.

Thank you for reading my Week 2 Reflections, hopefully the Huskers can take some notes. GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando