Recruiting never stops and it's easy to miss the top stories day-to-day. Recruiting analyst Greg Smith recaps all things Nebraska recruiting news, analysis and more so you never miss a thing.
Momentum is a tricky thing to grab hold of. It’s been especially difficult for Nebraska football. This isn’t really unique to this season only. Over the last handful of seasons, it has just been hard for Nebraska to seize momentum in games and week-to-week. This week against Iowa, the Huskers have an opportunity to take a step forward as a program.
Typically, a game in which you a win gets you to .500 isn’t viewed as big as this is. But this isn’t your typical week.
A 54-7 win over a downtrodden Maryland team shows what is possible under Coach Scott Frost. Yes, the Terps aren’t very good. But no one predicted that result on the road for Nebraska. The Huskers put up a lot of points and big plays, plus played sound defense. Special teams were also good. That is what it’s supposed to look like when you are better than someone. We haven’t seen that much from this team.
Now the next elusive step is in front of the Huskers. Build off a strong performance against Maryland to beat Iowa. Taking that step accomplishes a lot. Nebraska hasn’t beaten Iowa since 2014. This win would get the Huskers bowl eligible and a win would be nice for Senior Day. Winning on Friday would also give the Huskers a winning record at home this year.
And, a win on Friday would put juice in Frost’s program before the December signing period. That is important since there are several targets that need to be closed. Nebraska will surely have important official and unofficial visitors on campus and the atmosphere for this Friday game will be electric. Combine that with a win and it makes for an even more special day. The contact period then opens on Sunday. How nice would it be for the Huskers to sit in living rooms and show prospects how they righted the ship this season?
All that said, defeating Iowa will not be easy. The Huskers need rest as Frost pointed out after the game Saturday.
“We gotta get them home and get some rest,” Frost said. “We are playing a really good team on Friday. I’ve had a chance to watch Iowa. They are one of the best teams in the league. We are going to do everything we can to get ready for a really good team. A win today gives us a chance.”
A win against Maryland gave Nebraska a chance.
Winning over Iowa gives Nebraska momentum.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers have a Black Friday date with Iowa this week. Ahead of that game the Hawkeyes got commitments from two 2021 players that Nebraska likes. Minnesota outside linebacker Justice Sullivan and Iowa defensive lineman Griffin Liddle. Both prospects took unofficial visits to Lincoln.
COMMITTED 💛🖤🦅 pic.twitter.com/Gy3M49rGre
— Justice Sullivan (@justicesulliv11) November 24, 2019
Proud to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Iowa. Thank you to anyone who helped me get to this point. #Swarm21 #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/lE5jYGpKhJ
— Griffin Liddle (@griffinliddle93) November 24, 2019
>> A pair of Husker 2021 targets were also at Notre Dame this weekend. Iowa linebacker Seth Malcom and Kansas City wide receiver Jaylin Noel.
Had an awesome visit today at Notre Dame. Thanks for having me.☘️🏈☘️#NDFootball @CoachBrianKelly @aarynkearney pic.twitter.com/IOZJ1odJ49
— Seth Malcom (@SMalcom8) November 24, 2019
Some pictures from yesterday’s visit💪🏽 thank you @aarynkearney @NDFootball ‼️ pic.twitter.com/H3CdYtHFmc
— Jaylin Noel (@noel_jaylin) November 24, 2019
>> Major Huskers 2020 pass rusher target Josh Griffis was at Louisville this weekend. He will be in Lincoln for the Iowa game on an official visit.
https://twitter.com/joshgriffis_/status/1198718169789140992
ICYMI
>> There was a rather small detail (Premium) in a rather large 54-7 road win that you may have missed, writes Derek Peterson.
>> The play of the game (Premium) against Maryland was JD Spielman’s first touchdown catch.
>> Watch or read what Scott Frost had to say following the blowout win over Maryland.
>> The Huskers have earned a week to give thanks then ‘give her hell’ (Premium) writes Brandon Vogel.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
