Archie Wilson, Nebraska’s much-publicized punter from Australia, made his first appearance at Memorial Stadium against Houston Christian Saturday.
But he didn’t punt.
Wilson came in with time running out as the deep man in victory formation for the final kneel-down. For the second game in a row, he wasn’t needed to punt. Only three Husker possessions ended without scores, the last of the first half, the last of the game, and a failed fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the fourth quarter, something Matt Rhule was displeased with, of course.
Even so, Wilson’s inactivity was justified by a 59-7 outcome, Nebraska’s third-consecutive victory.
Next up: 23rd-ranked Michigan Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Wolverines are 2-1, the loss at Oklahoma (24-13). They defeated Central Michigan 63-3 Saturday. Though the Huskers weren’t supposed to be looking ahead, and probably weren’t, fans were, after back-to-back overwhelming victories against overmatched opponents.
“I think you take everything with a grain of salt,” said Rhule. “We haven’t played the caliber of teams we’re going to play, but all you can do is measure yourself against where you are and the standards you have.”
Saturday’s mismatch, coupled with heat reaching the mid-90s, caused fans to begin leaving in large numbers after a 38-0 first half. The stadium appeared half-empty in the third quarter.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola only played the first half, completing 15-of-21 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, without an interception. The touchdowns were 9 yards to Jacory Barney Jr. and 39 yards to Dane Key. Both touchdowns came in the first quarter, following Kyle Cunanan’s 24-yard field goal.
The running game took over in the second quarter. Emmett Johnson rushed nine times for 45 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with 78 yards on 13 carries.
Raiola gave way to freshman TJ Lateef in the second half, and Lateef responded by going 5-of-5 for 126 yards, 62 of them on a touchdown pass to freshman Cortez Mills Jr. to finish the scoring. Lateef also ran 8 yards for a touchdown. Sophomore Kwinten Ives replaced Johnson in the second half and did most of the ball carrying, finishing with 85 yards and a touchdown.
If you’re adding up the points, you’re a touchdown (and extra-point kick) short of Nebraska’s total. In the third quarter, sophomore defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel sacked Houston Christian’s Jake Weir for a 12-yard loss, forcing a fumble, which redshirt freshman transfer Williams Nwaneri scooped up and ran 29 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career at any level — by his recall.
“I shot my shot,” Van Poppel said. “I went out there and tried to make the play. I didn’t really even know I knocked the ball out. I just heard everyone get loud. I turned around and Will had it and he was running for the end zone. So I was happy.”
So were Husker fans, who had yet to be leaving in large numbers, something that won’t likely happen next week. “I feel like this team is really ready and really confident,” said Key, who finished with a team-high four receptions for 104 yards and the touchdown.
Key has caught a touchdown pass in each of Nebraska’s three games.
“It’s not just because of the opponent we’re playing but just because it’s Big Ten play, and it’s time; the season starts now,” Raiola said.
For the record, Houston Christian’s touchdown came midway through the third quarter, on a 45-yard run by Xai’Shaun Edwards. Nebraska hadn’t allowed a rushing touchdown in eight home games.
As for Michigan, “I asked the guys to show up and be ready to go tomorrow,” Rhule said. “It’s not about any one opponent. I mean, now we’re in Big Ten play, we will be playing nine conference game and we’re a proud member of the Big Ten. It’s a challenging conference.”
“I’ve been looking at this game since I took over as head coach,” said Houston Christian’s Jason Bachtel. “When you pair it together and you see it’s Matt Rhule’s third year — he’s a third-year guy — then you fear what’s going to happen. I’m not sure why they’re not a top-25 team. They will be soon.”
A victory against Michigan might do it.
And Wilson is certain to be ready.
