Game Balls: Nebraska vs Cincinnati

Emmett Johnson

The Minnesota native picked up where he left off in 2024. After rushing for nearly 100 yards against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, Johnson was able to turn in a 108-yard performance in Nebraska’s win versus Cincinnati. We should give most of the credit to Donovan Raiola’s offensive line. The veteran unit was able to push the Bearcats’ defensive lineman back.  However, the only concern would have to be Elijah Pritchett.  His false start penalty in the first half stalled one of Nebraska’s first drives.  This isn’t surprising news. The Alabama transfer struggled throughout fall camp. As a result, Pritchett was labelled as a third string on the depth chart. Can he find a way to improve against Akron?

Dane Key

The transfer wideout from Kentucky delivered the goods in his first game as a Cornhusker. On just six catches, Key managed to lead Nebraska’s receivers with 51 receiving yards. It also helped that he was decisive in the end zone. A 4th and 1 could have spelled disaster for Nebraska’s offense. However, Key won the battle against his defender, which allowed him to easily catch a pass in the end zone. We should also give credit to Nyziah Hunter. The sophomore from Cal had eerily similar numbers to Key in his first game. What was the only thing that separated the two? Hunter’s touchdown catch was much more dramatic. Does their showing in Arrowhead give them enough momentum heading into Akron?

Malcolm Hartzog

Nebraska’s secondary  completely shut down Cincinnati’s passing attack. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby only managed 69 total yards on the day. In addition, tight end Joe Royer only had 3 receptions for 11 yards. This is surprising. As a redshirt sophomore,  Royer had 525 receiving yards and three touchdowns. These stats allowed him to take home Big 12 First-Team honors. But by limiting his effectiveness, the Cornhuskers were able to shut down most of the Bearcats’ offense. The leader in this category would have to be Hartzog. The senior defensive back was flagged for defensive holding in the fourth quarter. However, the Mississippi native redeemed himself by intercepting Sorsby with 32 seconds left in the game. Is he Addison Williams’ secret weapon in the secondary? Or will the rest of Nebraska’s veterans pick up the slack throughout the season?

Archie Wilson

The Huskers’ punting operation was impressive in Arrowhead Stadium.  Last season, the Cornhuskers’ special teams were considered a liability. But now it just might be a lifeline. Against Cincinnati, former Charlotte transfer Kyle Cunanan connected on a 52-yard field goal that gave Nebraska its first points of the day against the Bearcats. Meanwhile,  in four kicks, Archie Wilson managed to pin the Bearcats back inside the 20-yard line three times, and twice inside the 10. According to the Omaha World-Herald, this allowed him to “enjoy watching half of the game” from the sidelines. This should be a good recipe for success for Mike Ekeler’s unit. We’ll just have to see who will emerge under Cunanan in the coming weeks. Main Photo: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images