Nebraska’s field goal-kicking has been a roller coaster experience during the 2023 season. Since winning the job during the offseason, freshman Tristan Alvano has gone 3-7 on field goals with a long of 37 yards.
Regardless of the early struggles, head coach Matt Rhule says he’s still very confident in his young kickers.
“The thing I love about Tristan is I don’t really feel like ‘oh man I’ve got be careful here.’ I don’t feel a drop in his confidence because when he does miss it’s just technical. He missed the one kick last week but it was a bobbled snap and hold. For him to get the ball as close as it was, was really a challenge.
In fact, the head coach says he likes it when young players struggle as it allows him to evaluate a player’s reaction to adversity.
I’m happy with where he is. I love the fact that when young players struggle to go through some adversity we see them not cracking but getting stronger. Either you crack this thing or you get cracked. He is at the precipice of something great. He is handling it well.”
Alvano made headlines during his senior year of high school when he went five-for-five on field goals in Omaha Westside’s 43-41 win over Gretna in the NSAA State Championship game. During his senior year, Alvano was 16-20 in field goals with a career-long of 57 yards.
The Nebraska native is highly thought of as a talent. Radio analyst and former Husker I-back Damon Benning has stated that he believes Alavano is a ‘Sunday talent.’ Rhule also believes that the freshman will only get better as he grows into the role.
“He will only get better and better. I have confidence in him and even in that game we put him out there a third time to make it a three-score game. He’s handled it really well and I think he’ll play well.”
Nebraska will take the field again on Saturday against Northwestern when the Wildcats visit Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.