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Huskers Four Gapping Holes Exposed in Lopsided Loss to Utah, Part 2

Nebraska was bullied and beaten soundly by Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. Along with losing in the trenches and having mediocre quarterback play, there were two other season-long weaknesses that were once again exposed by the Utes.

**Tackling**

In past seasons, it was special teams play that crippled the Huskers. This year, however, poor tackling was a major issue. Part of the problem stemmed from size—Nebraska was too small and too inexperienced up front. While the Blackshirts performed well in pass defense for most of the season, there were a significant number of yards after the catch, especially late in the year.

Basic football fundamentals, such as wrapping up and taking down ball carriers, were lacking. The combination of size issues and a lack of aggressiveness resulted in a team total of just 22 sacks, with team leader Javin Wright recording only three.

New defensive coordinator Aurich comes over from San Diego State, a defense that posted 32 sacks and picked off 15 passes. The Aztecs finished 14th in the nation in total defense. Aurich and head coach Rhule plan to put a strong emphasis on tackling across the board as soon as the teaching phase begins.

**Takeaways**

Nebraska finished the season with a plus-2 turnover margin. They had 13 takeaways in 12 games but gave the ball back 11 times, including once in the bowl game. After five games, they were a plus-6, but their momentum slowed following a minus-3 performance in a win at Maryland.

While a plus-2 turnover margin isn’t terrible, it’s far from impressive. To end the season, Nebraska failed to register a takeaway in the final four games. Their last takeaway was an interception against USC.

By comparison, San Diego State’s defense, led by now Husker DC Aurich, forced 18 takeaways. Pushing Nebraska’s takeaway total into the 20s would signal a marked improvement in defensive play across the board.

**Looking Ahead**

With a small but highly regarded recruiting class coming in, there are areas where the Transfer Portal doesn’t need to be heavily relied upon—such as running back, where promising youngsters Mekhi Nelson, Kwinton Ives, and Isaiah Mozee showed plenty of talent.

However, in the areas where games are most often won or lost—in the trenches and under center—Rhule and his staff have plenty of work to do, both during and after the Transfer Portal closes.
https://heavy.com/sports/college-football/nebraska-cornhuskers/nebraska-football-huskers-four-gapping-holes-exposed-in-lopsided-loss-to-utah-part-2/

How Does Art Connect L.A.?

Co-presented by Metro Art, Zócalo Public Square, and Grand Performances
Moderated by Moira Shourie, Executive Director, Zócalo Public Square

Arts and culture built Los Angeles, this hub for the journeying, creative spirit. Great art connects Angelenos to each other. We roar with laughter at comedians, thrill at a poetic turn of phrase, and shed a tear when our favorite restaurant closes down. When L.A.’s people and values come under attack, we turn to culture to stay strong.

Angelenos find power in murals, mariachis, and mouth-watering cuisine served up by street vendors—a fiery fusion of forms that makes us who we are. And yet, while music, comedy, art, and food bind us together, punchlines and platforms can also push us into camps, reflecting bitter culture wars unfolding across the country.

How does art connect, and when does it divide like a knife? Can art be the secret to keeping the soul of a city alive, even in the most challenging times? Where do we find inspiration and connection in a town where so many cultural, artistic, and social forces collide?

Zócalo invites “art rap” rapper and comedian Open Mike Eagle, improviser and Dynasty Typewriter co-founder Vanessa Ragland, Da Poetry Lounge Co. president Jasmine Williams, and comedian, actress, and writer Sasheer Zamata to Union Station to discuss how art helps Angelenos feel connected today.

This event is part of LAte Night Train of Thought, featuring improv performances presented by Dynasty Typewriter, with performers Eugene Cordero, Colton Dunn, Lauren Lapkus, Ify Nwadiwe, Gil Ozeri, and Sasheer Zamata. Spoken word interludes will be performed by Nate Lovell and RAVINA from Da Poetry Lounge, followed by a closing musical set by “art rap” artist Open Mike Eagle.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary sweets from Little Tokyo’s iconic Fugetsu-Do Confectionery (while supplies last) and bites available for purchase from the Kogi BBQ food truck.

This program is part of California 175: What Connects California? — a suite of free Zócalo events and essays that bring together leaders and thinkers from all walks of life to envision California’s next 175 years.

Partners: Metro Art, Zócalo Public Square, and Grand Performances.

https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/how-does-art-connect-l-a/

Alabama’s HC Kalen DeBoer gets real on Germie Bernard after heroic play vs. South Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide survived yet another SEC thriller on Saturday, outlasting South Carolina 29-22 in a comeback that tested every bit of their championship mettle.

The victory came just days after head coach Kalen DeBoer had to rework his offensive plans, ruling out freshman wide receiver Lotzier Brooks before the matchup. Brooks’s absence opened the door for Germie Bernard to take on a bigger role — and he more than delivered.

Bernard not only caught the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter but also sealed the victory with a 25-yard touchdown run in the final seconds. After the game, DeBoer couldn’t have been more complimentary of Bernard’s performance, which came at the perfect time for a Crimson Tide team that found itself down 22-14 midway through the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Ty Simpson—who continues to build a Heisman-worthy resume—rallied the offense for 15 unanswered points. His poise under fire and Bernard’s versatility helped Alabama avoid a potentially devastating upset loss on the road.

The Tide’s offensive balance was key, but so was their defense’s resilience. With the score tied 22-22, Alabama forced a late fumble on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, setting up the final drive. Moments later, Bernard’s touchdown run punctuated a dramatic comeback and preserved Alabama’s playoff hopes.

After the win, Crimson Tide fans erupted online, celebrating the team’s grit and Bernard’s heroics. “Gutsy play call, love it,” one fan wrote, while another summed up the collective stress of the night: “I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Roll Tide Roll!”

The victory improves Alabama to 7-1 on the season and keeps them firmly in the hunt for both the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.

With a bye week up next before a critical matchup against No. 20 LSU, DeBoer’s squad will use the extra time to recover and continue building around players like Germie Bernard, who proved on Saturday that trust isn’t just earned in practice but in the biggest moments of the season.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/alabama-football-news-kalen-deboer-gets-real-on-germie-bernard-after-heroic-play