Northwestern Wildcats vs Nebraska Cornhuskers: Five Players to Watch
After an (0-2) start in the Big Ten season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-4, 1-2) are attempting to get back to .500 on Saturday. A 48-25 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers gave the Nebraska football their first win in conference play. They are facing off with a Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 1-2) team coming off two straight losses. When it comes down to it, neither team can afford another defeat, and expect to win the Big Ten West. However, this game means way more to the Huskers’ season than it does to Northwestern.
First of all, the Huskers have already lost two home games this season. Therefore, they must avoid another home loss before the end of October. If the Huskers are unable to attain this small feat, they won’t be playing a Bowl game this postseason. In addition, the Huskers final two road games come against a pair of undefeated teams. They face, Michigan State in the beginning of November, and Iowa in the season finale.
Saying Nebraska was in every game this season is an understatement. Including their 23 point 4th quarter comeback against Miami, it’s feasible to see the Huskers as an undefeated team. However, they’ve lost every close game in 2015. More importantly, the Huskers’ defense hasn’t been able to stop a team from completing a game winning drive this year. Their only fourth quarter stop came during an eight point victory over Southern Miss.
Read More: Does Nebraska really have a Top 5 WR corps?
Other than that, the Huskers have given up game winning touchdowns to BYU, and Illinois in the final seconds. They also gave up game winning field goals to Miami in overtime, and Wisconsin on the final play. Therefore, it’s up to Nebraska’s players to put the game out of reach before the final defensive series of the game.
Earlier this week, the Huskers’ wide receiver corps was ranked the No.4 unit in college football. According to Pro Football Focus, the deep group of receivers don’t have elite talent, but they do have three of the top 50 wide receivers in the country. The entire unit must be a factor in Saturday’s game vs. Northwestern.
Jordan Westerkamp had a fast start to the season, but slowed down early in Big Ten play. Now Westerkamp is ready to prove he’s one of the best receivers in the conference. Currently, he leads the Huskers with 35 catches and 443 yards. He’s also second on the team with four touchdown catches. With the Huskers back at full strength, Westerkamp should be able to go for over 100 yards on Saturday. It wouldn’t be the first time, Westerkamp tormented the Wildcats’ defense. As a freshman Westerkamp was on the receiving end of this iconic pass from Ron Kellogg III.
The Huskers will have some familiar faces returning to the lineup. Linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey will earn some time on Saturday. He’s been out since the Miami game with a groin injury. The defense will also have Freedom Akinmoladun and Daniel Davie back in the rotation.
Offensively, tight end David Sutton returns to the Huskers. He’s been out of the lineup since suffering an injury in the first game of the season. Sutton should provide quality depth to the position on Saturday.
Now Let’s countdown the Five Players to watch vs Northwestern.