Nebraska 28-10 Colorado (Sep 7, 2024) Game Recap
Expert analysis and recap for the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Colorado Buffaloes NCAAF game that took place on the 7th of September, 2024, on ESPN.
LINCOLN, Neb. –” Dylan Raiola passed for an impressive 185 yards and one touchdown. Nebraska transformed a defensively smothering performance into a huge early lead. And the Cornhuskers were able to defeat Colorado 28, 10 in a contest that became a struggle during the second half of Saturday night.
“That’s how we wanted to come out. Dominance,” defensive lineman Ty Robinson said. “We wanted them to feel us.”
The Huskers (2-0) were sacked by Shedeur Sanders five times and pushed them throughout, while winning the final match of a four-game home and home series. They defeated the Buffaloes (1-1) were a point ahead having beaten the Buffaloes in the first three games.
“We expected this score, and we expected this to be like this,” second-year Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “We have a good team.”
Nebraska fans were keeping this game in their calendars since the 36-14 loss last year in Boulder There was a definite big-game feel prior to kickoff between the Big Eight and Big 12 rivals.
The Nebraska national championship team of 1994 and undefeated world champion boxer along with Omaha residents Terence Crawford led the Huskers to the field.
Even though the current teams are a long way from what they were just 30 years ago, when Nebraska beat a game between top three teams here in the process of securing Tom Osborne’s debut titlethere were some hints to the former Huskers with their raucous sold-out crowd and their formidable defense. Students rushed into the field after the game came to an end.
“The way we started is just not indicative of who we are, and we just never got it together,” CU coach Deion Sanders stated. “Sometimes you have those games.”
The Buffs didn’t register any first downs until their fifth play and scored minus-2 yards in the opening quarter before finishing with 226. Robinson’s sack led to a three-and-1 in Colorado’s opening game, and then he blocked Alejandro Matea’s 29-yard field-goal attempt. The Buffs also were stymied at fourth-and-1, twice in addition, Tommi Hill took Shedeur Sanders who was passing from the goal line to score a quick 7-yard pick-6.
“This was a big moment,” Rhule declared. “It’s really big for us to show up and not back down from their stars because we’re a little different. Our team is our star. I know Dylan is getting a lot of publicity and we have a lot of guys who could be stars. Our defense is a star. Everyone talked this guy, that guy, this guy. I kept saying they’re forgetting our defense. They’re forgetting the Blackshirts.”
Dante Dowdell, who racked up 75 yards, scored touchdowns of 12 yards and 1 yard. Also, the Huskers enjoyed a good run in the end when CU linebacker LaVonta Bentley was able to throw what appeared to be an obvious interception. Rahmir Johnson took it off for an 18-yard score.
The Huskers led at halftime by 28-0, which was the biggest they’ve had since they was Northwestern 35-7 in the year 2021. The Buffs had not been held scoreless in the beginning half since trailing Oregon 35-0 last season.
Mata’s 27-yard field kick and Sanders his 5-yard TD passes to LaJohntay Webster helped the Buffs get just 18 points away in the fourth quarter midway through.
Nebraska was an offensive shell after gaining its lead. It then was sloppy, resulting in the holding of four times, as well as a flimsy start, an illegal block and a delay of the game all in the second quarter.
Sanders was 23-of-38 for 244 yards. Travis Hunter caught 10 passes, netting 110 yards.
The Buffs defense took a huge loss in the first quarter after safety Shilo Sanders suffered an injury to her arm. Deion Sanders claimed during his NBC halftime show that he was convinced that his son injured his forearm. He did not have any update following the game.
THE TAKEAWAY
Colorado The Buffs are still having issues with offensive line discipline and play. Shedeur Sanders was tackled five times, and hurried nine times, while the running game was practically non-existent. The linebacker Trevor Woods was removed for hitting, it was an individual offence, roughing the passer, and two flags for pass interference.
Nebraska The game was focused on defense. The Huskers stopped the Buffs offensively explosive for extended periods while holding nine consecutive opponents to less than 24 points the longest streak they have had that has been since 14 games in the 2009-2010 seasons.
UP NEXT
Colorado: visits Colorado State on Saturday.
Nebraska plays host to Northern Iowa on Saturday.
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