As the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepare for their game with the Miami Hurricanes, the Huskers’ offense received some good news on Tuesday. According to Nebraska.247Sports.com, tight end Cethan Carter is returning from a two-game suspension. Carter’s return couldn’t come at a more perfect time for the Huskers.
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Coming into the season, the Huskers’ offense had four tight ends ready to make a contribution. However, Carter’s suspension left the Huskers’ offense with little margin for error. Soon after, Nebraska’s worst fears were realized. During the first half of the BYU game, David Sutton took a dirty hit from a safety. He was carted of the field, and is still out at least another six weeks. Suddenly, a team with four viable candidates at the TE position were down to two weapons.
Trey Foster stepped up with a touchdown reception from Tommy Armstrong, but he’s been hampered by injury as well. Foster was limited in practice, making his availability unknown for the South Alabama game. However, Foster was able to contribute to Nebraska’s offense, by making an appearance. Still, he wasn’t 100 percent.
Here is an excerpt of Mike Riley’s press conference via 247 sports. “We are in a situation now where Cethan is back at a really good time for us,” head coach Mike Riley said. “We need him. We’ve played with one tight end, basically. Trey Foster had not practiced all week, but was able to give us some stuff, but Andy Janovich kind of played two positions. He played H-back, he played fullback, he’s doing a lot of what a tight end does. (Janovich) is a good football player, I really, really, really like him a lot. He really comes to play and brings a special quality to us that’s important.”
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Despite Janovich’s ability to play multiple positions, he hasn’t been involved in the offense. So far, Janovich has been a blocker, and though he’s been a brilliant performer, he hasn’t been able to get the ball yet. In addition, Nebraska hasn’t gotten much production out of the tight end’s in the passing game. The position has only produced two catches in this season, but with Carter’s return, Nebraska maybe able to exploit the Hurricanes’ defense.
Without Cethan Carter in the lineup, the Huskers’ offense has done fine. Despite a few lapses in the loss to BYU, Armstrong has routinely found open receivers in the passing game. Currently, Brandon Reilly, and Jordan Westerkamp lead the Huskers with 10 catches apiece. Eleven different players have recorded receptions this season, so Carter’s arrival adds another weapon opponents must prepare for.
Brandon Reilly
Carter’s appearance can also facilitate the ground game. Riley is in favor of showcasing a two tight end set on offense. Therefore, the Huskers now have the ability to get some blockers on the edge. In addition, Nebraska can be successful in the seams. Hopefully, his presence leaves big running lanes for Nebraska’s receivers to break free.
Soon enough, the Huskers will get back to full strength, then we can see how dominant the offense can be in the long-term. As the depth grows offensively, Nebraska’s offense should turn into one of the best units in the Big Ten.