Matt Rhule gets signature win as Nebraska beats Colorado

Play of the game: Rahmir Johnson’s miraculous touchdown catch. The senior running back battled a Colorado defender for a crucial reception, coming down with a pass that was nearly intercepted. Not only did Johnson avoid a turnover, he raced into the end zone to put the Huskers up by 28 points.

Turning point: Tommi Hill’s pick-six. The Colorado offense was already struggling, but Hill’s point-blank interception and immediate touchdown appeared to stun quarterback Shedeur Sanders. It fired up the Nebraska sideline, too.

Quotable: Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule on the Huskers’ penalties.

“I was disappointed we didn’t get many calls going our way. It’s a Big 12 crew so I can’t get fined by them, I think.”

Game ball: The entire Nebraska defensive line. Regardless of who the Huskers rotated into the game, its defensive linemen and Jack linebackers lived in the Colorado backfield all game long. Nebraska gave Sanders only a split-second to throw on many snaps, finishing with a total of six sacks that could’ve been much, much more.

Game ball: Rhule. The Huskers delivered their first signature win under Rhule’s leadership on Saturday night. Credit the head coach not only for building up his program with dynamic athletes who could make a difference on the field but also for shaping a culture that showed up in many ways. Facing a big moment on the big stage, Nebraska kept its composure and never wavered.

Hat tip: To Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell, who again ran hard and paced the Husker backfield. Shaking off last week’s fumble, Dowdell found the end zone twice and looked every bit a powerful runner who opposing defenders wouldn’t be eager to bring down.

Questionable: Colorado’s decision-making at the end of the first half. Taking over with 39 seconds on the clock, the Buffaloes needed to go quickly to get into field goal range. Yet when Sanders took a hit on the sidelines, keeping the clock ticking, Colorado was slow to call timeout. Then when a Hail Mary appeared to be CU’s best chance of scoring points, the Buffs instead trotted their kicker onto the field for a 61-yard field goal try. The kick unsurprisingly fell short, ending a poorly managed series.

Tone-setter: Nebraska forcing a three-and-out on the game’s opening possession. The Huskers quickly affected quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ timing, with Ty Robinson ending the drive after his third-down sack. From then on, the momentum was on Nebraska’s side.

0: First downs allowed by the Nebraska defense in the first quarter.

0: Turnovers committed by the Nebraska offense.

21: Combined penalties between Nebraska and Colorado.