Ex-Nebraska football star plays hero in new team's bowl game

When Logan Smothers moved on from Nebraska football, it raised some eyebrows, but at the time, it's safe to say most Husker fans weren't lamenting the decision. Considering how 2023 played out, it's a safe bet the Huskers would have definitely welcomed the idea of keeping him in the fold.

But Smothers did indeed move on, and it seems likely that he is more than happy with his decision. Not only did Smothers get the playing time he would not have been guaranteed in Lincoln, but he got to play in a bowl game.

The fact of the matter is that Jacksonville State seems to be the perfect landing spot for Smothers. The ex-Nebraska football star found a school where he could do what he does best, and not be leaned on to single handedly win games.

That perfect situation culminated this past week when his Gamecocks squad outlasted the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. As has been the case most of the season, Smothers didn't need to play perfect to play the hero, but he did offer up some heroics.

Jacksonville State won the game 34-31 in overtime, which made Smothers' rushing touchdown quite a large contributor.

Ex-Nebraska football star shines with new team

As has been the case for most of the season, Logan Smothers shared the quarterback duties with Logan Webb. Combined, they've been a 1-2 punch that led Jacksonville State to a 9-4 record in 2023.

In hte New Orleans Bowl, Smothers passed for 80 yards on 6-of-9 passing, though he did throw an interception and didn't have a TD pas. The former Nebraska football star did more of his damage on the ground, running for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Interestingly enough, Smothers is just one of two past Nebraska football quarterbacks who will play in bowl this season, while the Huskers hope to finally break their postseason-less streak in 2024.