There are a lot of reasons why Nebraska football fans might be a little upset at the bye week coming now. Right at the top of the list is that the Huskers are just one win away from qualifying for a bowl game. Fans would be forgiven if they’d just like to play the next game and see if the program can finally get a giant monkey off its back.
However, in reality, the bye week comes at just the right time. NU is about to engage in a pretty rough part of its schedule, with 6-0 Indiana next on the agenda. But that’s not the only reason why the team could use a break right about now.
The Nebraska football team has a few players that seem like they’re just about ready to get back on the field. Defensive back Tommi Hill and kicker Tristan Alvano are both thought to be close to getting healthy enough to play. And it’s possible they still wouldn’t have been ready if NU had a game this Saturday.
Comments by head coach Matt Rhule on Monday indicate he thinks they could be ready by Indiana. "I think Tristan's going to potentially, potentially begin the process of testing and seeing where he's at. Whatever that means in terms of when he's comfortable,” Rhule said during his press conference.
Nebraska football could be getting two important pieces back by Indiana
Rhule added that in fact, there was some belief that Hill would be able to return to the Huskers for the Rutgers game. He was spotted warming up before the contest as though he would play.
However, he never got in on the action. Rhule said Hill came very close to being ready. That would certainly seem to indicate that in another 10 days, he will indeed be ready to lace them up and face off against the Hoosiers.
For now, the Nebraska football team is waiting and hoping. This will be a space to watch next week, especially.