Special Teams: A
This was one of the better performances by Wisconsin’s special teams against Nebraska. Clearly, the highlight of the day was Aron Cruickshank’s 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to tie the game at seven in the first quarter. It was the first kickoff return by a Badger since Natrell Jamerson’s 98-yard return against Maryland in 2015.
The Badgers return team did a great job of setting the return up as the blockers were able to create the necessary lanes for Cruickshank to utilize his speed to register his first career touchdown off of a kickoff return.
Outside of Cruickshank’s dynamic return as he finished with 133 yards on three returns the Badgers also received consistent play from Collin Larsh. Larsh finished the game 3-for-3 on his field goal attempts as he made field goals from 31, 24, and 30-yards.
With Wisconsin’s offense having success against Nebraska’s defense meant the Badgers didn’t have to punt the football often as Anthony Lotti only punted it twice. Lotti’s first punt resulted in a fair catch but his second punt was a much better result as he was able to pin Nebraska’s offense inside the five at the 4-yard line.