Nebraska defense rebounds after early lapse in season opener

Nebraska defense rebounds after early lapse in season opener

Sports

Nebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich said the Huskers' defense rebounded after a slow start in the season-opening win over Ohio at Memorial Stadium on September 5, noting the unit must play faster and with more fearlessness. He added that the adjustments made during the game set the tone for the team's upcoming contests.

Nebraska opened the 2026 season with a 49-21 victory over the Ohio Bobcats, featuring transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea's 275 passing yards and three touchdowns. The offense amassed 523 total yards, highlighted by a balanced rushing attack, while the defense, running a new 4-2-5 scheme, allowed an early 68-yard touchdown and was penalized nine times.

Actors

Nebraska Cornhuskers football program Matt Rhule Ohio Bobcats Anthony Colandrea Rob Aurich Frank Solich Emmett Johnson (former All-America, now with the Kansas City Chiefs) Kansas City Chiefs Geep Wade Gunnar Gottula Tree Babalade Mekhi Nelson Isaiah Mozee Jamal Rule Victor Evans III Jeremiah Charles

Locations

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Articles

September 08, 2026
2 total
Nebraska defensive coordinator Aurich says unit rebounded after early lapse in season opener
Nebraska defensive coordinator Aurich says unit rebounded after early lapse in season opener

Sports Illustrated • 08 Sep 21:22

Nebraska's first-year defensive coordinator Rob Aurich highlighted improvements after a 68-yard touchdown on the opening play, noting the need for faster, more fearless play as the team prepares for its next game.

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Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea posts strong debut as Huskers beat Ohio, while Bowling Green's Jay Kastantin struggles in loss
Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea posts strong debut as Huskers beat Ohio, while Bowling Green's Jay Kastantin struggles in loss

Sports Illustrated • 08 Sep 19:16

Anthony Colandrea led Nebraska to a 49-21 win over Ohio with three passing touchdowns and no turnovers, earning an 84.3 PFF grade, whereas Jay Kastantin threw for 262 yards without a score as Bowling Green fell 20-13 to Tarleton State and received a 61.8 PFF grade.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
September 07, 2026
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Nebraska defeats Ohio 49-21 in season opener, highlights and concerns emerge
Nebraska defeats Ohio 49-21 in season opener, highlights and concerns emerge

Sports Illustrated • 07 Sep 16:48

Nebraska opened the 2026 football season with a 49-21 win over Ohio, showcasing strong performances from freshman running back Jamal Rule and quarterback Anthony Colandrea, while also exposing issues with penalties and pass rush.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
September 06, 2026
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Nebraska rushes for 523 yards in season-opening win over Ohio, PFF grades show strong offensive debut
Nebraska rushes for 523 yards in season-opening win over Ohio, PFF grades show strong offensive debut

Sports Illustrated • 06 Sep 17:11

Nebraska amassed 523 total yards and 49 points against Ohio, with the offense earning high Pro Football Focus grades, highlighted by a balanced rushing attack and solid line play.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Nebraska defeats Ohio 49-21 in season-opening showdown
Nebraska defeats Ohio 49-21 in season-opening showdown

si.com • 06 Sep 10:29

The Cornhuskers overcame a slow start to beat the Ohio Bobcats 49-21, highlighted by strong second-half scoring and a standout performance by transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea.

Credibility 78% Manip. 10% Center
September 05, 2026
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Nebraska beats Ohio 49-21 in season opener amid penalties
Nebraska beats Ohio 49-21 in season opener amid penalties

Omaha World-Herald • 05 Sep 23:22

Nebraska opened its season with a 49-21 victory over Ohio, highlighted by quarterback Anthony Colandrea's 275 passing yards and three touchdowns, despite nine penalties and several miscues.

Credibility 55% Manip. 8% Center
September 03, 2026
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Nebraska opens Matt Rhule's fourth season against Ohio with new quarterback and defensive overhaul
Nebraska opens Matt Rhule's fourth season against Ohio with new quarterback and defensive overhaul

Sports Illustrated • 03 Sep 23:11

Nebraska will debut transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea and a revamped 4-2-5 defense in its season-opening game versus Ohio, while several position battles and a Frank Solich tribute add intrigue.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center

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