Week 2 of the college football season calls for Nebraska’s third game of the year as they host the Buffalo Bulls. The Huskers finally got one in the win column by handling business last week against Fordham. It wasn’t a pretty first half but they did what they were supposed to do by getting the victory. This Saturday’s kick will be a big test for a team with a lot left to prove this season.
The Bulls come into Lincoln 1-0 after beating Wagner from the FCS level 69-7 last Thursday. Buffalo is under the tutelage of first-year head coach, Maurice Linguist who replaces Lance Leipold who went to Kansas during the off-season. Linguist has a background in defense as he’s been the defensive backs coach at every coaching stop he’s made, which was most recently at Michigan. Buffalo returns an experienced quarterback in Kyle Vantrease who has started the last 15 games of his career. In 2020 during the COVID shortened season, Vantrease threw for 1,326 yards and 7 scores through the air. On defense, the Bulls are lead by All-MAC linebacker James Patterson. Buffalo will run a lot of 4 man front if their film holds true from their first game. After all, we know this Nebraska team isn’t exactly great at adjusting on the fly.
Three Things I’m Excited For:
Omar Manning: There, I said it. Nicknamed the saving grace by some at the wideout position is starting to round into form. He didn’t see the field last year and as a result, fans were skeptical heading into this season. Through two games, Manning has five catches on five targets. Sure, it’s not a lot of production yet but he’s starting to see more snaps and with his frame, the offense could certainly use a big target. But what sticks out to me is Omar’s blocking ability. Last week, he was seen making huge blocks on the edge to extend some big runs. The more he stays on the field, the better this offense will be.
Adrian Martinez: Let’s not kid ourselves, outside of a few bad plays against Illinois, Martinez has played very well this season. So far this season, he’s thrown for 486 yards and two scores with no interceptions on a 60% completion percentage. On the ground, he has 144 rushing yards with three touchdowns. I expect Martinez to keep it rolling this week and think the offense begins to open up the playbook a little bit.
Non-Game Moments: Saturday represents something bigger than sports, the 9/11 20th anniversary. Nebraska has already announced that they will be wearing alternate uniforms to honor military personnel and first responders. But my hunch tells me there will be some additional instances where Nebraska honors military personnel and first responders while also paying tribute to those we lost on 9/11 and along the way. Big Ten Network recently highlighted the tunnel walk that took place in Nebraska’s first game after 9/11, which happened to be the first televised game against Rice. Instead of the team walking out of the tunnel, military personnel and first responders were the ones seen coming out of the tunnel. If you want to feel a wide range of emotions, watch the tunnel walk from that game. It certainly was special.
Three Things I’m Curious About:
Offensive Line: This one needs to stay on the list again as we head into the third game. The offensive line showed some improvements last week but still a lot to feel uneasy about. In the first half, the group wasn’t getting much of a push and struggled to establish a run game against a team they should’ve imposed their will on from the first snap. Besides Cam Jurgens, there’s no one else to feel great about. But let’s see what this group can do against a much better defense than Fordham.
Return Game: The kick return game has plagued Nebraska teams for years now and that includes both kick-off and punt returns. Let’s start with the punt returner, who will they have out there for the first punt return of the game? Will it be Cam Taylor-Britt or will it be Oliver Martin? Martin was out last week due to injury but if he’s healthy, I expect him to get the nod. However, Frost did say this week that CTB gives them the best chance as a returner and as a result it doesn’t sound like he’s finished back there. The kick-off return game hasn’t been much better. Their best returns happen when they fair catch the ball and get it at the 25-yard line. Current kick-off returner Zavier Betts hasn’t provided a spark from deep. These two units need to start making plays before it gets too late.
Who starts at running back? True freshman Gabe Ervin has started the first two games of the season but I think that changes against Buffalo. While no running back played well against Illinois, Markese Stepp came on last week against Fordham. Sure, it’s Fordham and you expect Nebraska running backs to dominate. But Stepp seemed to be about the only guy to make the defense miss early into the game. It will still definitely be a running back by committee setup when adding in Sevion Morrison but I look for Stepp to get a majority of the carries.