Nebraska rides Anthony Colandrea to a balanced 2–0 start

01 · The NewsNebraska’s Balance Gets an Early Test

Nebraska beat Bowling Green 56–7 on Saturday, Sept. 12, moving to 2–0 and producing at least 200 yards rushing and passing for the second consecutive game — a feat the Cornhuskers had not matched since 2021.

Bowling Green coach Eddie George saw a three-back problem for opposing defenses.

“Three-headed monster. They were tough. I saw it on film last week. Certainly last year. (Mekhi) Nelson, he's an explosive back. Saw it last week when he took a simple checkdown route, split four guys and scored a touchdown against Ohio. Each one of them has a different type of style. One's more downhill, not going to make you miss, but run right through you. More of a power back. Nelson is certainly that kid that you get him space, he's lethal. This unit can get better throughout the course of the year behind that offensive line, certainly with that quarterback. In this league, if you've got a great run game, a strong offensive line, an opportunistic defense, and a quarterback that can manage it and get it done to make plays, you've got something. So I'm curious to see how many wins this team is going to get because Nebraska is going to be a tough get, a tough out. I would not count this team out from making some noise this year,” George said.

Nebraska finished with 546 total yards: 264 rushing and 282 passing. The Cornhuskers ran 34 times for two touchdowns and 7.8 yards per carry, with freshman Jamal Rule leading the way at 88 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Nebraska ranks No. 14 nationally with 256 rushing yards per game.

Colandrea completed 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He added 33 yards on four carries. George also praised the quarterback’s precision.

“Just from the pocket, the passing game. You saw how precise he was. On the day, 222 yards, 20-24. Very efficient. Knew where to go with the football. Had answers for everything. Got outside the pocket. He's played a lot of football. Going back to Virginia and UNLV where he was Mountain West Player of the Year. We knew it was going to be a challenge for us to contain him, and just his ability to operate the offense. When you marry that with a powerful running game, it's lethal. It's a lethal offense. They put up 49 points last week against Ohio. They really exploded in the fourth quarter, and it seems like it continued today. So kudos to them,” George said.

Nebraska hosts North Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 19, before the Michigan State game. For the offense to keep pressing defenses in both directions, Colandrea’s precision has to travel with it.

02 · The StakesThe Balance Has to Travel

The result gives Nebraska an early offensive identity: Anthony Colandrea’s accuracy paired with three backs who bring different running styles. That balance now has to carry into Big Ten play, beginning Sept. 26 at Michigan State.

03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching