Editor's note: While Nebraska originally wanted to see if Malcolm Hartzog would play, he was spotted in street clothes with about a half hour until game time and will not play against Michigan State.
The Nebraska football team's defense knows it has its work cut out for it on Saturday afternoon against the Michigan State Spartans. That's why DC John Butler and Co. are hoping defensive back Malcolm Hartzog can play. However, at the moment, things are very much up in the air.
Hartzog has been banged up for the early portion of the Huskers' season. While he was the hero of the win over Cincinnati, he's played very sparingly since. And while there was some optimism from Matt Rhule that he'd be able to play against Michigan, it wasn't to be.
Nebraska football still lists Malcolm Hartzog as questionable
Now, with the Nebraska football team looking to knock off the Spartans and open the season 4-1, Malcolm Hartzog is officially listed as questionable as he has all week. However, the Cornhuskers have made it clear that they will give him every opportunity to try and show he's ready to go.
Reports on the ground state that Hartzog will go through warmups, and then it will be up to his body as to whether he can get in the game.
Coming into the season, Hartzog was set to be the nickel corner for the Cornhuskers. In the minimal playing time he's had at that spot, he's made one tackle, had an interception, and defended another pass. That's a season after the senior had four interceptions for Nebraska.
Hartzog has never used a redshirt, so if he continues to miss games, keeping this season's eligibility becomes a bigger possibility. Of course, Nebraska would much rather get him back on the field and have him contribute. Starting in the game against Michigan State.