Freshman Jamal Rule shines, scoring three times in Husker’s 49-21 win over Ohio

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska started off their season by steamrolling the Ohio University Bobcats on Saturday.

Anthony Colandrea’s 275 yards and freshman running back Jamal Rule’s three-touchdown debut was enough offense in the 49-21 victory on Saturday afternoon.

The first play of the game consisted of a 68-yard pass to Ohio’s Riley Neer. The Bobcats would later score on the same drive to make it 7-0 in the first.

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea would then help drive the ball down the field in the responding drive, where Jamal Rule would score the first touchdown of his collegiate career to tie the game 7-7.

The Huskers struggled to get things going in the first half, allowing the Bobcats to gain around 170 yards in their first three drives.

But Jamal Rule would later help Nebraska get its first lead in the game again with a 24-yard run in the second quarter. The freshman became the first Husker rookie running back to rush for more than 100 yards in an opener since 2004, eventually finishing the contest with three touchdowns.

Nebraska found a new game in the second half, allowing only one touchdown and a two-point conversion. The Nebraska offense tacked on another 35 points including touchdowns from Colandrea, running back Mekhi Nelson, Rule, and wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer. Nebraska’s running game shined, logging 183 yards on the ground in the second half.

Colandrea looked good in his debut. He completed 18-of-32 passes for 275 yards, while logging three touchdowns. He also recorded a touchdown of his own on the ground following a 13-yard run.

Memorial Stadium also extended its sellout streak to 411 games.

Nebraska will stay in Lincoln for a week two matchup against Bowling Green. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m.