Tommy Armstrong is mastering Cornhuskers’ offense
So far, Tommy Armstrong is mastering the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ offense under Mike Riley. In case you haven’t seen Armstrong play the first two games of the football season, you’re missing out on a brand new quarterback. In the Huskers’ two games, Armstrong is 45/71, completing 63.4 percent of his passes. He also has a 5/1 touchdown to interception ratio, while passing for 589 yards in the two contests. After a disheartening loss to open the season, Nebraska’s offense rose to the occasion to get Mike Riley’s first win with the Huskers.
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While everybody was eyeing Terrell Newby’s 198 yard performance, and rightfully so, Armstrong was deadly accurate with his precision passing game, during Saturday’s 48-9 win over the South Alabama Jaguars. Quietly, he lit up the Jaguars’ defense, completing 21/30 passes for 270 yards, for two touchdowns. Still, he wasn’t much of a factor in the running game. Armstrong only had two carries, gaining four yards in the process. He might be a more inclined to make plays in Nebraska’s visit to Miami on Saturday. However, he’s comfortable throwing from the pocket right now.
In Nebraska’s first game against BYU, Armstrong completed passes to eight different receivers, despite relentless pressure. Not to be outdone, the Cornhuskers had eight different pass catchers for the second week in a row. Remember, Nebraska is still without De’Mornay Pierson-El due to injury, and TE Cethan Carter hasn’t played due to a two game suspension. Although the losses haven’t slowed down the Huskers passing attack one bit, Cornnation.com believes Carter’s presence is needed against Miami.
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Three Huskers caught five passes apiece in the victory. Brandon Reilly led the way with five receptions for 71 yards. Overall, he has 10 catches on the season, but has yet to find the end zone. Still, Reilly leads the Huskers with 14.1 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Armstrong found Lane Hovey early and often in the first half. Hovey finished with 68 yards receiving. Alonzo Moore caught another five passes, for 39 yards, including a late touchdown from back up QB Ryker Fyfe. Moore also had 19 yards rushing on a jet sweep.
After leading the team with seven catches in the season opener, Jordan Westerkamp added three more receptions, and a 21 yard fourth quarter touchdown from Armstrong. He’s tied for the team lead with 10 catches and two touchdowns this season. Westerkamp is also second on the team with 138 yards.
The offensive line played well in the victory over South Alabama. They didn’t allow a sack in the game, and created wide open running lanes for Terrell Newby’s career day. Their play helped Newby earn Big Ten co-offensive player of the week honors, after scoring three touchdowns. It means Nebraska’s offensive expectations are raised for another week.
With Tommy Armstrong progressing nicely, he can take another step in his quest to become one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Despite his great play, Armstrong has plenty of areas where he can improve. He only has six rushing yards total this season, so the Huskers haven’t even started to threaten opponents with the quarterback run. However, the coaching staff could be saving some of the playbook for future games.