{
  "id": 11825054,
  "title": "Nebraska Claims First 5-0 Start Since 2016 With Win Over Maryland",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/nebraska-claims-first-5-0-start-since-2016-with-win-over-maryland",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T02:25:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/nebraska-claims-first-5-0-start-since-2016-with-win-over-maryland-12521653"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nebraska's football team has started the season off strong, recording their first 5-0 start since 2016 with a 48-23 victory over Maryland. The game began poorly for the Cornhuskers, as Maryland took control of the first two quarters and led by 23 points at the end of the second quarter. However, Nebraska's defense stepped up and turned the tide in the final quarter. Wide receiver Mackenzey McDougle scored a game-winning 81-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving Nebraska the lead for the first time. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea then led the team down the field for a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Luke Lindenmeyer, extending Nebraska's lead to 28-23 heading into halftime. In the second half, Nebraska's defense continued to shut down Maryland's offense, allowing just 19 yards in the third quarter. Running back Vincent Genatone extended Nebraska's lead with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and Colandrea added two more touchdowns, including a 51-yard run. The final score was 35-23, a 25-point margin that highlighted just how far Nebraska has come from its last 5-0 start in 2016. The Cornhuskers now look to build on this early success and see just how far their best start in a decade can take them.",
  "summary": "Nebraska overcame a slow start to beat Maryland 48-23 and improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2016.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nebraska starts 5-0 season since 2016 with Maryland win",
    "Mackenzey McDougle scores game-winning interception return",
    "Anthony Colandrea leads to 35-23 victory, 25-point margin"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This strong start puts Nebraska in a promising position to build momentum, marking a significant improvement from its previous seasons and setting a hopeful tone for the rest of the season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}