 "Photo: Greg Blobaum")
Nebraska's players and coaches vowed for the past week not to look past Saturday's game against Division I-AA Nicholls State.
And after watching his team roll to a 56-7 demolition of the Colonels in a steady rain at Memorial Stadium, NU Coach Bill Callahan had no complaints about the Cornhuskers' effort or focus.
"I thought our guys executed well and are beginning to build some confidence in what we're doing," Callahan said. "I'm just really proud of how they handled their business today."
A crowd of 84,076 saw the Husker offense rack up 498 total yards in the game, while the Blackshirts held the Colonels to 187 total yards.
Nicholls State's run-oriented, triple-option offense recorded zero passing yards in the game, marking the 10th time in school history that an opponent has not completed a pass against Nebraska.
On the ground, the Colonels averaged 3.74 yards per carry but finished the game with only seven first downs compared to the Huskers' 30.
"The option was being destroyed," NU junior defensive back Andre Jones said. "I was surprised they didn't throw the ball more considering that the option was being destroyed."
Offensively, Nebraska showed balance, gaining 261 rushing yards and 237 passing yards while scoring two touchdowns each quarter.
Just like last weekend against Louisiana Tech, all four NU I-backs saw extensive action against the Colonels. However, sophomore Marlon Lucky got seven more carries than any other running back and garnered a career-high 103 yards on 18 carries.
"I think it's one of hopefully many games where he continues to grow as a player," NU Running Backs Coach Randy Jordan said. "I've been seeing it since spring ball and fall practice. You guys don't get to see what I see every day."
Sophomore I-back Cody Glenn picked up 47 yards on 11 carries, junior I-back Kenny Wilson rushed for 79 yards on nine carries and junior I-back Brandon Jackson had 29 yards on seven carries.
NU senior quarterback Zac Taylor said establishing the running attack in the first two games has been important because that's an area where the Huskers struggled last season - ranking last in the Big 12 Conference in rushing.
"It's just good to see that we can grind the ball and rely on the running game against some teams if we need to," Taylor said.
The Huskers also had success in the air against the overmatched Colonels.
Taylor completed 19 of 23 passes for 202 yards, and 10 different players caught at least one pass against Nicholls State.
Taylor's first pass attempt of the day was incomplete, but he was good on his next 12 passes before an incompletion late in the second quarter.
The offensive balance and efficiency in the first two games, Taylor said, is the result of a higher confidence level.
"We had some confidence and knew what we were doing (last year), but we were mainly just running around and making plays," Taylor said. "Now we know we can go down and score on teams. I'd say we're a cut above where we were last year."
After two wins against teams of questionable quality to open the season, the Huskers now shift their attention to their next test - a game against No. 2 Southern California on Saturday in Los Angeles.
"It was tough trying to keep our focus this week just because we know what we have coming up," senior defensive end Jay Moore said, "but I think everyone did a hell of a job keeping their focus on Nicholls State."
