Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Minnesota Gophers: Five Players to watch

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5. Maliek Collins – DT: For most of the season, Maliek Collins has been completely dominant along Nebraska’s defensive line. He’s also been the healthiest of all of the front four members.

Nebraska is giving up 3.3 yards per rush, and teams have had a difficult time running inside. Opponents have also tried to stay away from Collins, so his impact his felt on every play. So far, the  Huskers are giving up 95 yards per game on the ground. However, they will be tested by Minnesota’s running game. It will be up to Collins to wreck any plans the Gophers have of playing ball control football on Saturday.

Currently, Collins is seventh on the team with 19 tackles. He also has four tackles for loss this season, including one sack. Due to the injuries to Kevin Williams, Kevin Maurice, and Freedom Akinmoladun, the Huskers are severely limited in  the front four. They only have four defensive tackles listed on the current depth chart, so Greg  McMullen will likely find some snaps in the middle. Otherwise, Saturday’s game belongs to Collins and Vincent Valentine.