Nebraska’s backfield might just be the deepest in college football after Jamal Rule absolutely tore it up against Bowling Green, putting up 88 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. But get this: he might not even be the lead back on these power rankings anymore. The Cornhuskers are rolling into Week Three with a potential stable of three talented running backs, and that’s a problem for every defense on their schedule.
Owen Chambliss Is Dialing Up The Defense
While the running game is popping off, the defense is making some serious moves too, and linebacker Owen Chambliss is a huge reason why. This dude looked much improved against Bowling Green compared to the Ohio game, and the whole defense was flying to the ball way faster. Head Coach Matt Rhule admitted that Ohio’s zone read makes defenses play slower, kind of like battling against the old triple option, where everyone has a job and can’t just unleash. But the real spark? That’s Chambliss. Rhule tried to downplay it, but it’s crystal clear the defense gains a ton of swagger when Chambliss is out there communicating.
Even with a hamstring injury that probably kept him out of the second half against Bowling Green (they were up 35-0, so why risk it?), Chambliss still impressed. We’re talking 6’3″, 240 pounds at linebacker, a frame NFL scouts are absolutely drooling over. If he can get healthy and stack up some real good tape, watch out. Tim Verghese said it best: “Dexter Foster out of a cannon Quick ID and trigger by the Oregon State transfer. Defense is noticeably quicker to the ball with Owen Chambliss out there communicating.” That’s the kind of leadership that changes games. He slipped a bit in these rankings, not because he’s bad, but because so many guys are playing lights out against “inferior competition.” We know what he brings though.
The Backfield Is Absolutely Stacked
Now, let’s talk about that running back room. Jamal Rule’s 88 yards and a touchdown on eight carries against Bowling Green? Bro, that’s not just “pretty good,” that’s getting it done! But here’s the kicker: his time on these power rankings might be ending soon, and it’s not because he’s not worthy. It’s because Nebraska might genuinely have *three* talented running backs they can unleash.
Mekhi Nelson was in for 23 snaps in that game, and Isaiah Mozee logged 19. When you’ve got that kind of depth, it changes everything for an offense. You can keep guys fresh, pound the rock, and wear down opposing defenses. Rule kept his spot at ninth on this list, but the implication is huge. The talent level is climbing, and the competition within the team is only going to make these guys better.
As we head into Week Three against North Dakota, keep an eye on how that backfield rotation shapes up. Can Rule continue to put up monster numbers with Nelson and Mozee eating up snaps? And how quickly can Owen Chambliss get back to 100% to keep that defense flying? The early season trends are showing a team ready to hit the gas, and that’s something to get hyped about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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