And yet, early on in Nebraska’s 54-35 victory over Illinois, Neal started to get a familiar feeling.
Except maybe for the 10-degree wind chill, the heated benches and the big overcoats on the sideline.
But the 606 offensive yards? That’s just what coach Scott Frost envisions. Even better when they translate into seven touchdowns. The opportunism that comes with scoring 24 points off turnovers – five in all – and blocking a punt for a safety? That’s how the first-year Nebraska coach wants to win games.
Of course, nobody wants to give up 383 yards like the Huskers did or let an opposing quarterback – a familiar one Saturday in former Husker AJ Bush – run wild to the tune of 187 yards and three scores – but Nebraska didn’t trail for a second against the Illini.