Nebraska Football: 3 reasons for optimism after Minnesota

Marcus Washington looks ready to lead Nebraska football

You weren’t alone if you were wondering where Marcus Washington was in the first half of the game against the Golden Gophers. It turns out the veteran Nebraska football receiver was suspended.

The good news here is that he wasn’t suspended for breaking team rules. The bad news is that he was suspended due to some academic issues.

Back to the good news. When Washington did come into the game in the second half, he showed that he might be ready to take the next step for the Huskers.

Nebraska football is on the lookout for a leading receiver. A go-to guy like they had with Trey Palmer last year. Washington isn’t quite there yet, but he showed signs that he might be able to step up.

In the second half, the veteran receiver hauled down three passes for 31 yards. That tied him with Alex Bullock for the team lead in receptions, and he was second to Bullock in receiving yards. Washington didn’t have the benefit, of a trick play that Minnesota bit hard on for any of his receptions.

Washington had a career-high 31 catches for 471 yards last season. That was while Trey Palmer was getting all the headlines and most of the targets. With Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda out for the rest of the season, Nebraska football will need someone to step up. There’s reason for optimism about Marcus Washington being that guy.