Kenny Larabee, NRG Media
Nebraska football blasted out to a dominant start and rolled to a 56-7 victory over Bowling Green Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers led 35-0 at halftime and cruised from there to victory.
Anthony Colandrea carved up the Falcons’ defense at 20-for-24 for 222 yards and four touchdowns. Jacory Barney, Jr., had eight catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while Kwazi Gilmer added two touchdowns and 39 yards on six catches. Jamal Rule and Isaiah Mozee both rushed for a touchdown as well.
The game started roughly, as Nebraska’s game-opening drive ended with an interception near midfield. Bowling Green picked up one first down on the ensuing drive and punted back to the Huskers. After two Rule runs converted fourth downs, Colandrea hit Jacory Barney, Jr., for a 35-yard touchdown pass, giving Nebraska the 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. The Falcons next drive ended with Donovan Jones intercepting quarterback Jay Kastanin, and NU took over on the BGSU 38. The Huskers marched down the field, scoring on a 12-yard pass from Colandrea to Gilmer to push the lead to 14-0 with 32 seconds to play in the first quarter.
After another Falcons punt, Nebraska again marched down the field, with Colandrea connecting with Gilmer for a four-yard touchdown to push the lead to 21. After a three-and-out, the Huskers took over on their 27. Two Rule runs gained 14 yards to the NU 41, then Rule bolted down the middle of the Falcons defense 59 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 28-0 with 5:16 to play in the half. After BGSU went three-and-out again, Nebraska again darted down the field, with Colandrea hitting Barney for a 32-yard touchdown to make it 35-0 with 1:54 to go in the half.
After scoreless third quarter, Bowling Green cracked the shutout on the first play of the fourth quarter, as Kastanin found Leo Kemp for a 19-yard touchdown to get the Falcons on the board. But after Isaiah Mozee rushed for a seven-yard touchdown, Derek Wacker returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 49-7. Kwinten Ives caught a touchdown pass from TJ Lateef to cap the scoring.
Nebraska now prepares to take on North Dakota Saturday at 6:15 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Pregame coverage begins at 2 p.m. on KLIN and Froggy 98.