Nebraska vs. Ohio: Three things we know, and three things we still don't know

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Three things we learned

Fans stay faithful

In all kinds of weather, as they say. If reporters felt like ants under a magnifying glass in the press box — sweating in the 93-degree heat despite air conditioning — imagine how it must have been for all the fans who dutifully packed Memorial Stadium at kickoff. Despite traffic issues — that didn’t seem as bad as advertised. Despite construction issues — that’ll get more interesting next season. They show up, they clap to the fight song, they get loud, as directed, on third down. Even when a heat lamp bakes the old battleship for three hours.

Rob Aurich’s defense wasn’t built in a game

The first play of the game — the season — featured a major bust in the secondary that allowed Ohio receiver Riley Neer to prance free up the seam for a 68-yard gain that set up the Bobcats’ first score. NU’s pass rush had little definition early, allowing Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos easy scrambles outside the pocket. On Ohio’s third drive, a facemask penalty extended things. NU’s pass defense looked jittery.

Nebraska looks more comfortable passing

When an offensive lineman isn’t flinching before the snap, anyway. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea had several passes knocked down and took an 18-yard intentional grounding penalty, but he makes quick reads and NU’s receivers — so-so on the catching consistency Saturday — were open. The screen play to Jamal Rule? Pretty. The rollout throw from Colandrea to Kwazi Gilmer? Elite. But NU’s run game needs work. NU’s backs need to keep their feet — too many trip-up tackles — and the line needs to create a few extra blasts through the defense. The power pull plays were blown up by Ohio’s defensive front.

Three things we still don’t know

How the world turns in the Nebraska running back race

Jamal Rule ripped off a couple nice catch-and-runs, but Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee both could have made those plays. Rule has a clear goal line and short-yardage role, where he’ll continue to grow. Rule is the smoothest of the bunch but Nelson ripped off a 29-yard touchdown, too. Nebraska’s probably missed Emmett Johnson — to some degree as a guy who Colandrea can trust on third down. He declined a few check downs that would have turned into first downs had he thrown them.

When Nebraska cleans up its penalty mess

Pronto, if Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has anything to do with it. NU practiced all camp with Big Ten referees — it didn’t look like it Saturday. The holding and illegal blindside block penalties were iffy — potentially the kind Nebraska could turn in for review — but also unnecessary. Time and place matters. And the facemask penalty on Williams Nwaneri — when Nebraska’s defense was nearly off the field — cost NU three points. Offsides twice on kickoff units? C’mon. Special teams coordinator Brett Maher needs to clean it up.

Implications for Big Ten play

It’s not as if many of NU’s opponents — Indiana, Illinois, Michigan State and especially Rutgers — bathed themselves in glory over the first three days of play. Neither did the Huskers for 2 ½ quarters, showing flaws in execution, self-discipline and even physicality. Nebraska played like a finesse team on Saturday in some ways. The Huskers have to get Big Ten tough by the end of the month. Bigger, more physical opponents than Ohio await.