As has become a bit of an unfortunate habit for Nebraska football under Matt Rhule, the fall practice press conferences tend to bring bad news at the beginning. Last year, Rhule talked about a couple of receivers who were going to miss time. This year, it was the team’s starting kicker.
During his opening comments on Tuesday, Rhule let it slip that Tristan Alvano is out of commission for the near future. While Rhule made it clear that the situation wasn’t a panic situation, it’s not great news to start off fall camp.
Alvano will be limited to start fall camp and the Huskers will have walk-ons Nico Ottomanelli and John Hohl at kicker until Alvano is back to 100 percent. The Nebraska football team needs to make sure they have a better solution by the time the season starts. At least before they play anyone besides UTEP.
Nebraska football has some interesting special team news
"He has a groin that's been bothering him," Rhule said of Alvano on Tuesday. "He has a quick surgery, a two-week recovery time. He's recovered, just not full-go…it shouldn't be too long."
While that’s the bad news, there was some good news that came with the special teams unit. Coordinator Ed Foley address the media briefly on Tuesday and he sung the praises of punter Brian Buschini.
“He’s grown into this weightlifting,” Foley said. “…He’s kind of trimmed down but he’s more explosive and he’s stronger.” Foley added that he thinks that will help the Nebraska football punter put more “oomph” behind his kicks.