I’m just gonna come right out and say it. There was not a lot to cheer about in regards to Nebraska football on Saturday. It was one of the more frustrating losses that I’ve ever seen. After so much promise, Nebraska football fell flat.
With that being said, I still feel like I have to acknowledge players who played well yesterday. One of those in that category was Garrett Nelson. The sophomore and local kid recorded six tackles, a half a sack, and 2 ½ tackles for a loss. Statistically, he put up a great game. The eye test was even better.
It seemed like he was in the middle of every play, especially in the first half of the game. By the time the second half rolled around, Nelson and defense looked tired which was understandable. Even still, fatigue could not take away from what was a great day on the part of Nelson. He was flying around, he was energetic, and he looked like he wanted to be out there. He was giving 100% effort every single snap.
I love to see that. Nelson should figure to be a key piece of this program moving forward. Recording 30 tackles last year, we saw a glimpse of what he could do in a shortened season. Saturday, we saw the beginning of what could be a very successful season.
Nelson could be cornerstone of program
Nelson is putting himself in a position be a key cornerstone of the program. I thought this way last year, and Saturday’s effort proved it to me. He looked like he was having a blast out there. He also managed to get the job done. Those two things will go a long way in the eyes of the coaches.
I’ll be interested to see what he does for a follow-up act against Fordham next weekend. In my estimation, this is an opportunity for Nebraska football to at least get in the win column and right the ship. This should be an opportunity for players to have big games, and put up some even bigger numbers in the statistics sheet .
Nelson already put up good numbers that against a good Illinois team. The opportunity for him to succeed against Fordham will undoubtedly be there as well. He could have a tremendous start to the season, and that would be a welcome development for the Nebraska football linebackers. I can’t wait to see what he does for a follow-up act.
