LINCOLN — This felt better.

After needing to sweat (emphasis on the sweating) through two quarters against Ohio, Nebraska was dominant against Bowling Green. Here are four observations from the night at Memorial Stadium.

The penalties were still an issue in Nebraska's third phase. This time, though, it wasn't the strange offside calls on kickoffs. Instead, it was drawing flags on punt return.

When there weren't penalties, Nebraska had 23 total yards of returns. Even better was when the unit got to Ryan Kingston and blocked it, setting up the offense at midfield.

On field goals, Kyle Cunanan missed his only attempt of the game from 55 yards. Archie Wilson wasn't called on to punt.

Overall, the unit showed flashes of being special, but is still getting in its own way. The transition away from Mike Ekeler doesn't seem to have resulted in a big drop-off, which bodes well for how Brett Maher leads the unit into the final non-conference game and then Big Ten play.

You wouldn't have blamed Anthony Colandrea for taking a minute to ramp up the aggression after a tough-luck interception on the second play of the game. That's not AC, though.

Colandrea tore up the Falcon defense for 222 yards and four touchdowns through the air. He also had 33 yards on the ground, but should have had more and a score if not for a penalty on his long run.

The UNLV transfer consistently ripped the ball all over the field, finding receivers in tight windows or deep downfield. His best throw may have been one of his touchdowns to Kwazi Gilmer, which went to the far sideline and was reeled in as Gilmer tapped his toes.

Rob Aurich said his unit wouldn't give up 68 yards on the first play this week. He was right.

It took Bowling Green 27 plays just to get more than 68 yards on Saturday. The two big drives for the Falcons in the third quarter led to 94 yards. Outside of those drives, BGSU had just 75 yards.

The Blackshirts made two takeaways, including a scoop-and-score from linebacker Derek Wacker. The interception was made by Donovan Jones. Both plays were aided by defensive linemen getting hands to the ball and allowing their teammates to finish the job.

There was a very clear theme for the night, falling one day after the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The field had America 250 painted on it. The Tunnel Walk included pieces from that first one after the attacks. It also had first responders leading the team onto the field, including some who were part of that special walk 25 years ago.

Between the third and fourth quarters, the special light show was all about America. Videos on the big screen and the drone show drove that message home. You can check it out below.