Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Caleb Benning’s big night, more

OMAHA, NE - SEPTEMBER 07: Kaitlyn Hord #23 of Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates a point with teammates against the Creighton Bluejays at CHI Health Center on September 7, 2022 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - SEPTEMBER 07: Kaitlyn Hord #23 of Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates a point with teammates against the Creighton Bluejays at CHI Health Center on September 7, 2022 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team officially got off to a nice start to the 2023 season with a sweep over Utah State on Friday night.

The Nebraska football team has to wait until next Thursday before the Matt Rhule era officially begins but John Cook and his crew have officially kicked off a 2023 season that is full of mystery.

The new look Nebraska Cornhuskers got off to a solid start against Utah State with a sweep where the Aggies were really only in the match during the first set. The Huskers managed to open their season with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-17 victory.

The best news of all is that the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team saw immediate contributions from two newcomers. Merritt Beason and Harper Murray tied for the match high with nine kills.

Another newcomer, freshman Bergen Reilly who got the start at setter did her job well as she posted 26 assists.

John Cook’s squad will next take on Lipscomb on Saturday night.

Nebraska Cornhuskers football target has big night

Caleb Benning is one of the top players in the state that hasn’t yet committed to the Nebraska football team and on Friday night, he showed why he is indeed so sought after.

The athlete led Omaha Westside to a blowout victory over a Creighton Prep team that has some talent of its own. Benning dominated on every side of the game, returning a kick 88 yards for a touchdown, catching a 27-yard touchdown pass and hauling down an interception on defense.

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It was the first game of the season for Westside, who are the defending state champions after upending Gretna 43-41 in the state finals last season.

Pair of former Nebraska Cornhuskers make last pitch for NFL roster

The Detroit Lions played their third and final preseason game on Friday, which meant that a couple of former Huskers made their final pitch to make the regular season roster.

Quarterback Adrian Martinez has gotten a ton of playing time this preseason, which could be a sign Dan Campbell and company are giving him a real look. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as impressive last night as he was his last time out. Martinez completed just 5-of-11 passes for 39 yards. He also carried the ball five times for just 10 yards.

Likewise, running back Devine Ozigbo struggled more than he had last time out. On Friday, he had just four carries for three yards. Now the two former Nebraska Cornhuskers will sit and wait and hope.