3. Wan’Dale Robinson – Wide Receiver
2019 stats: 40 rec, 453 yds (11.3 avg), 2 TD/3.8 YPC, 326 yds, 3 TD
The crown jewel of Frost’s 2019 recruiting class as a 4-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1 all-purpose back, Robinson has not disappointed this season. The ballyhooed freshman ranks No. 8 in the conference in yards from scrimmage as a potent weapon in both the running and passing games and has twice been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Robinson is also a dangerous threat as a kick returner with 218 yards on ten returns this season, and though he hasn’t yet taken one all the way back for a score, it’s just a matter of time. If he’s able to rip off a big return or two, it could go along way toward a Nebraska upset.
4. Mohamed Barry – Linebacker
2019 stats: 69 tackles (37 solo), 3.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks
Barry is the heart and soul of the Nebraska defense as its leading tackler for the second year in a row and a team captain.
A Third-Team All-Big Ten selection by the media in 2018 after racking up 112 tackles, the senior’s 69 tackles this season have him sitting at No. 8 in the conference at the moment. After a lackluster outing by his standards in the loss to Purdue the last time out in which he tallied just three total tackles, the Cornhuskers will need more from him as they look to prevent Jonathan Taylor from running rampant on them for the third year in a row.
5. Lamar Jackson – Cornerback
2019 stats: 29 tackles (24 solo), 3.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 3 INT, 12 PD, 1 FF
Simply put, Jackson has been a ballhawk at cornerback for this Nebraska defense this season. The senior has stuffed the stat sheet all year long with his ability to get into the backfield, make plays on the ball through the air (his 12 passes defended are the most in the Big Ten and his three interceptions are second-most), and cut down ball carriers in space.
A massive defensive back at 6-3, his length has caused all kinds of problems for opposing receivers. Jackson will likely draw Quintez Cephus as his main assignment this weekend and will look to prevent him from burning the Cornhuskers as he did the Hawkeyes last Saturday.