Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Jeff Sims. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

How many chances will Nebraska give QB Jeff Sims?

In a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup against Colorado, Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims initially appeared to have turned a corner from last week’s performance in Minnesota.

Hopes of redemption were quickly stifled with a series of botched snaps, a handoff transfer miscue and an interception, leaving him at least partially responsible for four turnovers on the game and bringing his total to a whopping seven on the season.

Near the end of the fourth quarter, Sims was taken to the ground awkwardly and helped off the field with an apparent ankle injury. While no word has been released on his future status, the injury prevented the redshirt junior passer from returning to the game. The Huskers opted to primarily use backup Heinrich Haarberg in his absence. Although Haarberg certainly wasn’t impressive, going 2-of-6 for 13 yards, Husker fans will find themselves starting to wonder how long their starting QB’s leash is. 

Over the past two weeks, Sims has shown a massive inability to read a defense and make decisions. Perhaps most importantly, he’s proved so far this season that he simply can’t maintain possession of the ball. His mistake-ridden game Saturday hurt his team both offensively and defensively. While the Nebraska defense looked stout for much of the game, there were instances where players looked flat-out gassed — seemingly a result of abruptly failing drives. 

Although head coach Matt Rhule seemed to have all the faith in the world in his transfer QB at the beginning of the season, his recent performance suggests the tenure of Sims as starter may not be unlimited. If Nebraska is to eventually move in a different direction, though, where will they go? Haarberg would be the clear favorite to take the reins of the offense, but he clearly hasn’t shown enough in practice to earn himself a shot, being redshirted the last two years. Does the lack of experience behind him allow Sims a longer look as the starter? 

The Huskers will take their newfound 0-2 record back to Memorial Stadium for a pair of home nonconference games against Northern Illinois and Louisiana Tech, both teams that should pose no problem for Nebraska. If Sims remains the starter for now, as expected, he’ll have a great opportunity to regain some confidence in his passing game before resuming Big Ten play when Michigan comes to town at the end of the month. Will Sims be able to right the ship before it’s too late?

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Report: Oilers open extension negotiations with veteran winger
Tiger Woods makes big admission about his U.S. Open future
Cubs P 'Mike' Imanaga continues hot start vs. Cardinals
Ravens All-Pro safety undergoes minor surgery
Kyle Larson takes pole for inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa
Maple Leafs make major change to coaching staff
Nationals sign OF/DH to minor league contract a day after release
Cubs place lefty starter on 15-day IL
Celtics' All-Defensive guard reportedly could replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA
Tee Higgins' contract decision adds pressure on Bengals in 2024
Phillies get veteran OF back from IL
Orioles right-hander to undergo testing on sore elbow
Jayson Tatum makes unwanted history in Game 4
Sports world reacts as Charles Barkley announces retirement plans
Red Sox release one-time All-Star
Mavericks trounce Celtics in Game 4 to stave off elimination
Astros release struggling former MVP still owed over $30 million
MLB umpire Pat Hoberg suspended for gambling violation
Martin Truex Jr. announces retirement: Dissecting the one-of-a-kind career of NASCAR's unlikeliest legend
Germany 5-1 Scotland: Euro 2024 begins with a bang for the host nation

Want more Cornhuskers news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.