Nebraska Football: Matt Farniok’s versatility could pay off for Huskers

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 16: Running back Dedrick Mills #26 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers follows the block from offensive lineman Matt Farniok #71 to score against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 16: Running back Dedrick Mills #26 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers follows the block from offensive lineman Matt Farniok #71 to score against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Things are slowing down for the Nebraska football lineman.

There is no doubt Matt Farniok is a versatile offensive lineman. After playing 24 games of his Nebraska football career at right tackle, he played first game of his career at right guard when Nebraska football took on Ohio State.

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It was interesting to hear him talk to the media about the adjustments he had to make against Ohio State. Granted, Ohio State was a very tough first task. However, it seems like he took it all in stride.

Heading into Saturday’s match up with Northwestern, he is definitely going to be needed on the line. Nebraska is expecting better play from their wide receiver unit, which may mean a big game for quarterback Adrian Martinez.

Monday, Farniok talked about the speed of the game,  and how the speed of the game changes from different positions. He admits he has things to work on, and also that needs to be more prepared for the change of direction that the defensive lineman employ.

"“I’ve just got to get used to how fast the actual contact happens,” Farniok explained. “There’s a little bit of a speed change in the essence of how fast contact gets to you. I’ve just got to get ready and get used to the quickness of how fast you’re going to be on top of someone and how fast you’re going to be ready for a change of direction.”“I always enjoy these types of challenges,” he said. “I learned a little bit from it and I’m hoping to improve from it.”"

With the Nebraska football program averaging 5.8 yards per carry against Ohio State, this certainly bodes well for game against Northwestern. That Ohio State defensive line is very good. Despite their talent, Nebraska football was able to get a push.

Northwestern brings a little bit of a challenge to the run offense of Nebraska. They allow the second-least rushing yards in the Big Ten with 70.5 yards per game. They have only allowed 141 yards per game on the season, and 3.3 yards per carry.

You can bet that Farniok is going to play a big role on Saturday. The offense is going to need him to do so. With how steadfast and dependable he has been over the course of his Nebraska football career, I would expect him to play tough on Saturday.  His contributions could end up giving the Huskers a win, and help them get momentum.