3 takeaways from Nebraska’s comeback win over Maryland

There were a few nervous moments on Saturday as Nebraska football was tested for the first time by the Maryland Terrapins.

The first half was sloppy. Nebraska turned it over. Gave up a long touchdown and missed some assignments.

On separate occasions the Huskers were down nine. Maryland scored a touchdown right after a failed fourth-and-four. Nebraska punted on the next possession before a pick six by Dwayne McDougle changed the game.

Suddenly, a potential 16-point lead for Maryland shrunk to two. Then, after a brilliant 2-minute drill by Colandrea, Nebraska suddenly led at halftime.

After 20 points in the second half, the Huskers are 5-0 for the first time since 2016 after a 48-23 win. Here are three takeaways.

Nebraska weathered the storm

Colandrea threw an interception. The defense gave up a few chunk plays and Maryland nearly went up 16.

Even so, Nebraska won by 25. The Huskers scored the last 34 points. They ran for 209 and passed for 238. The defense wasn’t perfect but it made some huge plays when needed.

That’s exactly what you want. It’s not always going to be perfect. The team stayed together and honestly, I was never truly worried.

This Nebraska team feels different. 34-0 was impressive.

Anthony Colandrea was the best player on the field

Colandrea had one throw he wishes he could have gotten back. But after that, he was flawless. He led a touchdown drive in the closing seconds of the first half for the second week in a row.

That had a massive impact on the game. So did his legs. It was his first 100-yard rushing effort as a Husker. With Jamal Rule, Colandrea picked up the slack.

The dual-threat QB completed 26 of 39 passes for 238 yards. He finished with 346 total (3 TDs) and continues to look like an All-Big Ten quarterback.

The test comes next week

This was good for Nebraska.  The Huskers faced some adversity and still covered the spread with ease.

Nobody is going to believe in this team until they beat a ranked opponent. The Huskers look and feel legit. They really do.

Are they ready to end the nation’s longest winning streak? It wouid be poetic justice for Matt Rhule.

It would also put Nebraska in the thick of the Big Ten title race. That’s a big leap no doubt.

Yet, after a 5-0 start and five consecutive games covering the spread, it’s fair to think big at least for one week.