Last week Nebraska went to Minnesota and was stunned by a blowout loss, 54-21. Minnesota was struggling as well, fighting to become bowl eligible. Now, Nebraska faces on of the toughest tests of the season as the faceoff against Penn State. Starting quarterback Tanner Lee’s status for the game is in doubt so Patrick O’Brien could be making him first start in a tough environment.
First, your TV information for Nebraska vs Penn State:
Where: Beaver Stadium, State College, Pen.
When: Saturday, November 18, at 3:00p.m. CT
Watch: FS1
Listen: Husker Sports Network or Sirius Channel 134, XM 195
We break it down in this week's episode of Hail Varsity's No Huddle.
Special Thanks to presenting sponsor Kidwell.
Fun Facts
>>Nebraska and Penn State have combined for 1,768 wins in their history.
>>Both JD Spielman and Stanley Morgan are closing in on 800 yards. Nebraska has never had two 800 yard receivers in a season.
>>Nebraska has won 15 straight games when outrushing its opponent.
What They’re Saying
Mike Riley on helping players:
“My first thought when I get that question after a loss is I don’t think of our team that way. I don’t want to be blind to it either, I think the way the season has gone when you open the game with a kickoff like that, and there might be some fragile parts that might be more nerves than it is desire. I can’t put a tangible thing down and say this is it. Like I said, I really don’t want to think of our guys as not giving the right effort. I believe they can and I believe in our players. My first reaction is look at the film, how can we help these guys.”
Bob Diaco on Penn State RB Saquan Barkley:
"He is the total package. He's got contact balance, great speed, great vision, powerful runner, big thick-bodied guy, he breaks tackles, he makes you miss, he can jump over you. And you know what is fun to watch is his pass protection. He's an aggressive blocker. He's the absolute total package. One of the best backs that has been in the league in some time. There's been some great ones, when I played Penn State they had a great back, the years we played, Ki-Jana Carter, so I mean, Eddie George, Tyrone Wheatley, Ezekiel Elliot, and Saquon. He's right in the company of some greats, at least during my time."
Mo Barry on challenges this season:
“You forget the challenges of the game when you’re not in the game for a long time in an actual game situation. Things can go good for you and things can go bad for you. Just think about the next play, and don’t dwell on the last play. That’s why the game time experience is so important because of those things. You learn a lot during the game that you can’t learn in practice.”
Random links
Must watch: Rex Burkhead became the first player ever to block a punt and score a receiving touchdown in a game.
Must read: Cody Nagel writes that there is a lot to like about next year’s returning talent.
Must see: The Huskers made a nice graphic for their potential record breaking wideouts.
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.