The Nebraska Cornhuskers were able to survive a very close game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in their first game of the season, and while there are lots of things to look at and analyze, the special teams game is not one of them. Last year, Nebraska had one of the worst special teams units i the country, but bringing in special teams coach Mike Ekeler seems to have done the job in Lincoln.
Against Cincinnati, Nebraska was 2-for-2 on field goals, 2-for-2 in extra points, had three punts inside the 20-yard line, and no busted coverages on punts or kickoffs. The special teams unit looked like a whole new team last night, and a lot of that thanks needs to go to Ekeler.
Last year, Nebraska would have lost that game due to incompetent special teams. This year? FGs: 2/2XPs: 2/2Punts downed inside the 20: 3No busted coverages. It was the difference.Thank you, Mike Ekeler.
— James Pruch (@jamespruch) August 29, 2025
Truly, special teams being able to do their job was the difference in this game, as the Cornhuskers only won by three points by a score of 20-17. If even one field goal had been missed, then the game could have been completely different and maybe even had a different outcome…