The Colorado Buffaloes beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 34-14 at Colorado.
Colorado negatives
• The inability to work the mid game early. The Cornhuskers confused Shadeur early by disguising their blitzing only to drop back into coverage. They did this so well that when they blitz they got to Shadeur (6-7 sacks on the day)
• Shadeur holding out for the Big Bang. This could go either way. Shadeur held onto the ball too long in some cases and failed to go through his read progressions resulting in a sack. This was something that was out of character for Shadeur comparing his play to his first game.
• No sense of urgency/first down pylon awareness. Colorado’s Offense is explosive 🧨 and talented. Still, I saw 10-15 yard packages on a 3rd and 3. At this time, Nebraska began respecting the pass game and turned their attention to the long ball. Colorado unfortunately failed to make use of the quick slant, for which they had the talent to execute. For the love of god give Shadeur a quick slant on a 3rd and 3. Not a 5-7 drop step.
• Weak execution of the RPO. Shadeur did-show his god gifted elusiveness later on in the game, but it wasn’t enough to fool the Nebraskan defensive front. Also, QBs must be a hell of a salesman. It didn’t even look like Shadeur was going work the RPO when actually working the RPO.
Colorado positives
• Defense was spotty but came up big on run plays. This Colorado defense isn’t known for sacking QBs just yet, but they harassed the back field forcing Matt Rhule to put his beleaguered offense in a pass to survive state (Nebraska’s current weakness).
• Adjustments. The defense held for the majority of the game but the offense took a bit longer to shift. However, when the offense did shift, they went into 4th gear and left the Cornhuskers stuck in harvest mode. Shadeur kept his eyes down field and his willingness to commit to the unraveling pass play (Tom Brady like) led to chunk yard plays sealing the Huskers fate. Amazing Shadeur.
• Shadeur showed that all parts of his game must be respected. As mentioned before, Shadeur was very elusive dodging defenders and staying committed to the passing game. What wasn’t mentioned, however, was that he also diagnosed the perpetual 3 (or 4)-and-outs and used his legs to pickup huge gains. This man is special.
• No shortages of dogs at kennel. Last game we saw Horn and Edwards get busy. This game, we saw Xavier Weaver catch 10 passes for 170 yards. The Colorado Buffs are too strong offensively when operating on all cylinders. They are truly special.
Nebraska negatives
• Tempo discombobulation. Early on, the Cornhusker’s defense dictated the Colorado’s offense advancement and took lead in the Samba. The offense, however, was lackluster failing to establish a rhythm and exact a tempo.
• Lack of talent. This is spillage from the first negative. Jeff Sims isn’t a starter as of now. His turnovers made sure to give a Colorado offense with a brief case of vertigo its sea-legs back. Their RPO had flashes of hope but their inability to open up the passing game from the RPO left them with one receiver with over 50 yards receiving and none with over 57 yards for the day.
• Soul searching. The Cornhuskers are still finding their way and I believe that Matt Rhule (depending on how they finish the season) will have the ability to have a better recruiting class and more success in the future.
Nebraska positives
• Defense harassment. The Cornhuskers dialed in on Shadeur and made him uncomfortable with and unstable pocket. This led to a huge amount of sacks on the day, and intentional grounding call, and a full-reset to the Buffalo game-plan. Even though this relentless approach could not be sustained (half of it on Jeff Sims’ turnovers) it shed light on what could and will be a defense to be reckoned with in the future.
• Willingness to mix it up. The RPO for Nebraska had legs in the begging of the game but went off the rails thereafter. Nebraska knowing this, tried to open up the passing game. Though they came to a stark realization that Sims wasn’t all that he was expected to be.
Finally thoughts:
The Colorado Buffs won as expected. The Buffs, however, let Nebraska stay in the game too long. This caused an unseen challenge to the Buffs that required them to change their game plan. Still, they integrated their new game plan and continued to showed the world that they were capable.
I fully expect the Buffs to remain undefeated till they face USC which will be a fearsome foe.
USC has a ton of talent at the WR level and a QB who can sniff out a lacking DB. The challenge for the Buffs will be to sure-up their play execution by selling the RPO, but most importantly, make sure their DBs are aggressive at the point of attack with sure tackling and good angles (Shilo).
USCs unorthodox boxing stance due to a shifty QB will deliver a blow to the jaw of the Buffs. If they can survive a standing 8 count, I fully expect this game to go the distance.
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