Colandrea Throws 4 TDs as Huskers Destroy Falcons

(Lincoln, NE) — Nebraska’s offense continued its impressive start to the season Saturday night, piling up more than 500 yards for the second consecutive game as the Huskers cruised past Bowling Green, 56-7, at Memorial Stadium.

In front of an NCAA-record 412th consecutive sellout, Nebraska totaled 546 yards of offense, including 282 through the air and 264 on the ground. The Huskers improved to 2-0, while Bowling Green fell to 0-2.

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea led the offensive explosion, completing 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran four times for 33 yards. Colandrea was especially effective in the first half, completing 17 of 20 passes for 184 yards and all four of his touchdown passes.

Wide receivers Jacory Barney Jr. and Kwazi Gilmer each caught two touchdowns before halftime as Nebraska built a commanding 35-0 lead.

Colandrea opened the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Barney, capping a nine-play, 59-yard drive with 7:34 remaining in the first quarter.

Nebraska’s defense quickly created another opportunity. Defensive end Williams Nwaneri tipped a pass from Bowling Green quarterback Jay Kastantin, and Donovan Jones intercepted it at the Falcon 38-yard line. Seven plays later, Colandrea connected with Gilmer on a 12-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0.

The Huskers struck again midway through the second quarter. Colandrea delivered a perfectly placed pass to his right, and Gilmer made a spectacular diving catch while keeping his feet in bounds in the end zone. The touchdown gave Nebraska a 21-0 advantage with 8:36 left in the half.

Freshman running back Jamal Rule then provided the biggest play of the half. Rule carried the ball three times on Nebraska’s next possession, accounting for all 73 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead to 28-0. He finished the half with 88 yards on eight carries.

Nebraska closed the half with another touchdown from Colandrea to Barney. The quarterback connected with Barney on a 32-yard scoring strike, with Barney making a fingertip catch to finish a five-play, 79-yard drive. Barney entered halftime with seven catches for 104 yards.

The Huskers dominated both sides of the ball during the opening 30 minutes. Nebraska gained 369 yards in the first half, while the Blackshirts limited Bowling Green to just 46 yards on 21 plays.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, although Nebraska missed a 55-yard field-goal attempt on its lone possession.

Bowling Green finally ended the shutout on the first play of the fourth quarter when Kastantin found tight end Leo Kemp for a 19-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 35-7.

Nebraska responded immediately. A nine-play, 60-yard drive ended with Isaiah Mozee scoring on a seven-yard touchdown run. Mozee finished with 55 rushing yards on eight carries and added a 14-yard reception.

The Nebraska defense then got on the scoreboard. Kastantin fumbled, and linebacker Derek Wacker scooped up the loose ball and raced 25 yards for a touchdown, extending Nebraska’s lead to 49-7 with 9:29 remaining.

Quarterback TJ Lateef took over for Nebraska’s final possession and guided the Huskers on a 79-yard scoring drive. Lateef completed 6 of 8 passes for 60 yards and added 22 rushing yards on two carries. He capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Kwinten Ives, completing the 56-7 victory.

Nebraska will close its three-game season-opening homestand next Saturday when it hosts North Dakota at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CT, with the game televised by the Big Ten Network.