Nebraska Football: 3 reasons for optimism after Minnesota

Nebraska football got a big lift from DeShon Singleton

When talking about the possible strengths of the Huskers coming into the 2023 season, there was quite a bit of talk about the secondary, even after the departure of Myles Farmer.

Then the first quarter against Minnesota rolled around, and Nebraska football fans were likely a bit concerned that all the talk about a solid secondary were premature. After all, Minnesota was 4-for-5 on 3rd down in the first quarter, and the Gophers passed for 50 yards alone in that period.

Even when the secondary took a bit of a step back in the fourth quarter, one player stood out in a way that should make Husker fans pretty excited. DeShon Singleton took on the role of lockdown corner on the left side of the Blackshirt defense.

Overall, PFF had Singleton’s grade out with a 78.6, which is should surprise no one was the best grade of the secondary for the Minnesota game. That grade was easily the best of his Nebraska football career, with a 72.8 last year against Illinois, coming in second.

When I say “lock down,” this isn’t an instance of throwing that term around. Minnesota only threw against him three times. While they completed two of those passes, the Gophers only got 15 yards total. He also had a pass breakup.

Singleton completed his great night for Nebraska football with four tackles and five assists. Granted, Minnesota is not a high-powered passing team. We shouldn’t assume yet that Singleton is someone that other teams are going to stay away from.

But it’s still a boon to see a Nebraska football defensive back put up the kind of numbers he did on Thursday night. Especially since it’s a safe bet that he will be tested by Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and the Colorado Buffaloes.