KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nebraska football fans finally got a first look at their team under the lights, and the Huskers delivered a nail-biting 20-17 win over Cincinnati. It wasn’t always pretty, but it gave us a glimpse into both the strengths and the lingering questions surrounding this team.
Let’s break down three things we know and three things we still don’t know about Nebraska after Week 1.
✅ Three Things We Know
1. Nebraska’s Secondary Is Rock-Solid
The Huskers’ defensive backs lived up to the hype. While the defensive front struggled at times, the secondary stood tall.
- Andrew Marshall, in his very first FBS snap, broke up a pass.
- DeShon Singleton stepped up big, crashing into the box to help against the run.
- Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby was held to just 69 passing yards on 13-of-25 attempts.
👉 Bottom line: Nebraska’s most experienced unit showed why it’s the backbone of this defense.
2. Kyle Cunanan Has a Cannon for a Leg
Special teams nightmares from 2024? Nebraska fans can breathe easier — at least for now.
- Cunanan nailed a 52-yard field goal, his debut kick in a Husker uniform.
- He later added a 22-yarder and kicked a touchback over Cincinnati returner Matthew McDoom.
Not every game will need a long-distance kick, but having a weapon like Cunanan gives Nebraska options in tight situations.
3. The Run Game Has Stability
Running back Emmett Johnson looks ready for the spotlight. He carried the ball 25 times for 108 yards, showing patience, vision, and toughness.
- Sophomore Mekhi Nelson and WR-turned-RB Isaiah Mozee chipped in, but Johnson was the star.
- QB Heinrich Haarberg also added grit in short-yardage situations.
👉 For a team that wants to control the clock, Nebraska found its rhythm on the ground.
❓ Three Things We Still Don’t Know
1. Can Nebraska Consistently Stop the Run?
The biggest defensive question mark remains up front. Without Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson, the trenches looked vulnerable.
- Cincinnati RB Tawee Walker broke free multiple times.
- QB Sorsby hurt Nebraska with scrambles, including a 7-yard TD run.
If the Huskers can’t shore up their run defense, stronger Big Ten opponents will expose it.
2. Will the Offense Create Explosive Plays?
Nebraska played safe offensively, leaning heavily on the run and short passes.
- A long, 8-minute drive ended in just a field goal.
- Freshman QB Dylan Raiola rarely pushed the ball deep.
- The closest Nebraska got to a “home run” play was Jacory Barney’s sweep that almost turned into a 74-yard TD.
👉 Fans have heard all offseason about wanting more big plays. But in Game 1, they were still missing.
3. How Much Did Nebraska Leave on the Field?
Penalties and missed chances nearly cost the Huskers:
- Henry Lutovsky’s unnecessary roughness killed the opening drive.
- At the Cincinnati 1-yard line, Elijah Pritchett false-started, forcing a field goal.
- Despite dominating time of possession and yardage (197-81 at halftime), Nebraska only led by a touchdown late in the second quarter.
Cincinnati left the door wide open, but Nebraska won’t always face opponents that let them off the hook.
📊 Final Takeaway
The Huskers walked away with a win — and that’s what matters in Week 1. The secondary, kicking game, and run game looked reliable. But until Nebraska proves it can stop the run, stretch the field, and clean up penalties, fans will still hold their breath against tougher competition.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Who stood out most for Nebraska in the win?
Emmett Johnson with 108 rushing yards, and kicker Kyle Cunanan, who drilled a 52-yard FG.
Q2: What was Cincinnati’s biggest issue?
They couldn’t move the ball through the air, finishing with just 69 passing yards.
Q3: What is Nebraska’s biggest concern after this game?
The defensive front struggled against the run, which could be a long-term issue.
Q4: Did Dylan Raiola impress in his first outing?
He managed the game well but didn’t take many risks downfield. The “explosive play” potential is still untapped.
Q5: How significant was this win for Nebraska?
It’s a solid start, but the performance left room for improvement. The Huskers will need to tighten up before facing tougher Big Ten competition.
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