Here are Tom Shatel's quick takes after Nebraska's 49-21 win over Ohio.
* * *
Rule's the man
Jamal Rule took the first authoritative steps toward winning the running back job. Okay, he's the man. His line: 15-for-122 yards, two touchdowns on the ground and one receiving. He galloped up the middle and turned on the jets outside. But Rule wasn't the only story. Mekhi Nelson's 64 yards and a score gave Nebraska a bonafide running game. And get this: these cats hit the hole and got into the open field quickly for explosive plays. There were four rushing touchdowns total. Season opener headline: Nebraska looked competent running the ball. They've got a chance to be really good at it.
No interceptions is nice
Walking to the press box at 7 a.m., I saw a No. 10 Colandrea jersey for sale in the Adidas truck. First thought: I sure hope the senior quarterback delivers. He did. The UNLV transfer had a slow start. There were some passes that were off, a few drops by receivers. But Colandrea started the second half with a couple of runs. And then his passing game was off to the races. Colandrea ended up 18-for-32 for 275 yards and three touchdowns (he also ran for a score). It seemed to this untrained eye that there were more receivers flashing open this season and Colandrea hitting them for catch-and-runs. Hey, no interceptions, for skeptics keeping score at home. Not a bad start, sir. Not bad at all.
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Offense heats up
Several thousand fans headed for their cars at halftime and I don't blame them one bit. I have great admiration for those fans who stayed in the outdoor steam bath for the second half. Labor Day weekend is always hot, but this was crazy brutal heat. Chalk up a heaping of admiration for all the players wearing helmets and pads in that stuff. Not fun. But winning is fun. At halftime, with NU up 14-13, I wondered: will those folks be back next week? To watch this offense, you better believe it.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Ohio
Students queue to enter Memorial Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska players arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Tyson Terry and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and the Huskers arrive prior to a college football game against the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Ike Ackerman waves to fans prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans walk by an area that is closed off due to construction prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans make their way to the stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans hang out inside the Hawks Center prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans hang out inside the Hawks Center prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans make their way to the stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Signs on I80 warns fans of traffic changes prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Smokes wafts into the sunlight prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back and former Husker Emmett Johnson high-fives fans prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) and Justin Evans (51) prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Daniel Kaelin (12) throws the ball prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Malcolm Simpson (49) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Jones Jr. (5) and Nebraska's Gabe Moore (95) warm up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska players warm up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Mario Buford (31) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Justyn Rhett (12) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's TJ Lateef (14) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio Bobcats in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) passes the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) tries to recover a fumble during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Riley Neer (15) celebrates a long reception on the first play from scrimmage during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Riley Neer (15) runs down the field after making a catch on the first play from scrimmage during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Riley Neer (15) runs down the field after making a catch on the first play from scrimmage during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska runs on the field before the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) and Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrate a touchdown by Rule during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) talks to Nebraska's Brendan Black (54) after his second penalty during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Ike Ackerman (14) sacks Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Archie Wilson (83) punts the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Lavonte David rides the Herbie T-shirt cannon vehicle during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jahsear Whittington (1) hits Ohio's Nick Poulos (8) as he throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jahsear Whittington (1) hits Ohio's Nick Poulos (8) as he throws the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) drops the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) catches a pass during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) catches a pass during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) dodges a tackle from Ohio's DJ Walker (2) during touchdown run during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) scores a touchdown during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) scores a touchdown during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
A RC-135W Rivet Joint flies over Memorial Stadium before a college football game between Nebraska and Ohio in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska players run onto the field for the first half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich shakes hands with Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule before the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule during the first half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball but is blocked by Ohio's Jack Fries (27) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Paul Mubenga (65) blocks Ohio's Charlie Christopher (30) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Isaiah Mozee (22) blocks Ohio's Barry Dillon (8) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) is tackled by Ohio's Charlie Christopher (30) and Tyler Gillison (9) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Kade Pietrzak (93) is blocked by Ohio's Bryce Parson (76) during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Lavonte David is recognized during the first half of a college football game between Nebraska and Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Victor Evans III (22) is blocked by Ohio's Jarian Shelby (75) as Ohio's Dom Dorwart (3) runs the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (1) runs the ball against Ohio during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Khamani Debrow (31) tackles Nebraska's Nyziah Hunter (1)during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Darren James-Hamilton (4) celebrates after a tackle against Nebraska during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates after a touchdown against Ohio during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) scores a rushing touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) scores a rushing touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) scores a rushing touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws a pass during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) breaks a tackle from Ohio's DJ Walker (2) while scoring a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) breaks a tackle from Ohio's DJ Walker (2) while scoring a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Dom Dorwart (3) catches a pass above Nebraska's Jeremiah Charles (25) for a two-point conversion during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Dom Dorwart (3) catches a pass above Nebraska's Jeremiah Charles (25) for a two-point conversion during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) runs out of the grasp of Ohio's Barry Dillon (8) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Donovan Jones (8) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio's Preston Bowman (2) that would eventually be intercepted by Nebraska's Rex Guthrie (13) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Donovan Jones (8) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio's Preston Bowman (2) that would eventually be intercepted by Nebraska's Rex Guthrie (13) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Rex Guthrie (13) intercepts a pass during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Rex Guthrie (13) intercepts a pass during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
A young fan drinks water during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
A young fan uses a fan to keep cool during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
A fan drinks water during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Archie Wilson (83) signs an autographed after the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, left, and Dr. Susan Elza, Nebraska football chief of staff, walk off the field after the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Archie Wilson (83) punts against Ohio's Blake Guffey (37) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Donovan Jones (8) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio's Preston Bowman (2) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Ohio's Dom Dorwart (3) attempts to catch a pass against Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (7) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (8) catches a pass during the second half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Luke Lindenmeyer (8) runs with the ball against Ohio's Kendall Bannister (20) and Michael Molnar (25) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) runs the ball past Ohio's DJ Walker (2) and Michael Molnar (25) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's David Höffken (53) and Nebraska's Jahsear Whittington (1) are blocked from Ohio's Nick Poulos (8) by Ohio's Bryce Parson (76) and Ohio's Job Mavrick (51) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Williams Nwaneri (96) is blocked by Ohio's Sandro Malicevic (72) as he reaches out for Ohio's Nick Poulos (8) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) runs the ball against Ohio's Darren James (4) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Paul Mubenga (65) and Nebraska's Gunnar Gottula (77) spray water on their necks during the second half of a college football game against Ohio at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) falls into the end zone to score a touchdown past Ohio's Darren James (4) and Ohio's Kendall Bannister (20) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Nebraska's Jamal Rule (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Ohio during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
