Five Heart Podcast: Nebraska’s Last Non-Con is Saturday Against North Dakota

Nebraska enters its third game of the season at 2-0, with North Dakota next on the schedule. The Five Heart Podcast crew believes the Fighting Hawks deserve more respect than a typical early-season opponent. North Dakota is averaging more than 50 points per game, has a productive quarterback in Jerry Kaminski, a strong offensive line, and plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, which features several highly ranked FCS programs. While Nebraska is expected to win, the panel sees the game as a useful final tune-up before Big Ten play.The discussion also focuses on Nebraska's improvement from last season. The offensive line has been much better in short-yardage situations, Anthony Colandrea has provided stability at quarterback, and the running backs have become legitimate receiving threats. Special teams remain a concern, particularly penalties and some questionable decisions in the return game, but they are no longer viewed as the liability they were previously.Defensively, the group has shown improvement but still needs to develop a more consistent pass rush. The hosts want to see Nebraska generate pressure without relying heavily on blitzes before conference play begins. They also expect continued improvement in tackling and penalty discipline.Overall, the panel is cautiously optimistic. Nebraska appears more complete than last year, but the hosts repeatedly emphasize tempered expectations heading into the Big Ten schedule.