Nebraska Cornhuskers vs South Dakota State: Post Game Round Table Discussion
By John Ackeren
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The Nebraska Cornhuskers defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 59-20 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. I caught up with Husker Corner staff writer Leland Johnson to discuss the game.
The Huskers pulled out a lopsided win over South Dakota State. What was more impressive, the passing game or rushing attack?
John Ackeren: I was more impressed with the passing game. Not taking anything away from the job the running backs did, but Tommy Armstrong Jr. and Ron Kellogg III were phenomenal throwing the football. I also walked away impressed with Quincy Enunwa who had another big day for the offense.
Leland Johnson: One would be splitting hairs trying to determine which offensive weapon was better on Saturday. I was truly impressed with the 645 total yards and 59 points the Husker offense recorded against South Dakota State, they seemed to be more on track than off it. The star might have been Ameer Abdullah. He’s definitely one of the top running backs in the conference. Abdullah’s 185 total yards and touchdown is testament to his versatility and importance to the teams success. Directly behind center at the quarterback position, it suddenly looks deep with talent at Nebraska. With their performances on Saturday, both Tommy Armstong and Ron Kellogg earned trust from the coaching staff and the fans. Anyone notice Ryker Fyfe taking snaps late in the game? Fyfe is Grand Island, NE kid who put up 400 yards of offense and 40 points a game in high school. Never count out a home grown kid that plays with heart.
Tommy Armstrong was impressive Saturday. Is there going to be a quarterback controversy moving forward between Armstrong and Taylor Martinez?
John Ackeren: Tommy Armstrong looked good on Saturday, but this is still Taylor’s teams. That being said, I think Armstrong has gained the trust of the coaching staff. If Martinez struggles the coaches know that there are other options in Armstrong and Kellogg. The only way there will be a controversy is if Taylor doesn’t perform.
Leland Johnson: I don’t see a controversy. I see a new found knowledge of a safety blanket we weren’t sure was there. The performances by both Kellogg and Armstrong were impressive enough that if something were to happen to Martinez, the Nebraska offense will keep moving forward. If we allow ourselves a peek to next year, it’s definitely an exciting thought to know we’ve got Armstrong, Fyfe, and Johnny Stanton waiting in the wings.