The Five Huskers Who Can’t Afford Injuries

3. Alex Lewis

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Much like Mitchell, Lewis has the left tackle starting spot in a bear hug. Over on the right side, however, it’s a toss-up.

Zach Sterup, Matt Finnin, David Knevel, any of these guys could wind up starting and it’s quite possible that Husker fans see rotation against the Owls and McNeese State.

Why does that matter? The right side of the Big Red’s offensive line is shaky enough. The left side moving into the interior is solid with Jake Cotton next to Lewis and Mark Pelini sitting at center.

Should Lewis goes down, one of the guys who hasn’t marched onto the field with the first unit on a frequent basis thus far is going to have to step up.

Well, either that or John Garrison mixes and matches until something works.

If I’m a defensive coordinator, going up against Lewis does me no good. If he can fluster an NFL prospect in Randy Gregory from time to time, why bother? Bring two guys around the big question mark on the right.

Without Lewis, I tell my boys to pin their ears back and come from both edges straight at an inexperienced quarterback.