Tag: Nebraska Special Teams

Newsome describes special teams touchdown

Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome made one of the plays of the year in Saturday’s victory over Purdue.

Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome made one of the plays of the year in Saturday’s victory over Purdue. Elijah Jeudy blocked the 4th quarter field goal attempt, and the senior cornerback Newsome then caught the deflection and ran it back 68 yards for the first touchdown of his Husker career.

“I was playing the super scorer on that play. I saw the ball pop up and I caught it. I saw the grass and (Tommi) Hill running with me. This is six right here. We’re going to the end zone. Taking the practice reps and bringing it to the game. You never know when you’re going to block a field goal in the game. That was a big moment in the game.”

Following the game, Husker head coach Matt Rhule stated that the coaching staff has been all over the team about the need for big plays on special teams.

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Rhule discusses the importance special teams

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule met with the media on Thursday afternoon.

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule met with the media on Thursday afternoon. He was asked about the importance of special teams for the remainder of the season.

“Especially in games like this week, where weather could be a factor, you want to play great on the special teams,” he said. “Purdue has dynamic kickoff and punt return games. They blocked a field goal against Iowa in a crucial time, they’re excellent on special teams. We’ve made some good plays on special teams, pinning the ball down, Tommi (Hill) with the kickoff return last week.”

He also made it clear that Huskers have left big play opportunities on the field this season.

“We’re also missing some opportunities. We had a punt block last week, we missed it. We’re just going to continue to try and get better at it…Guys fill in the void as we have injuries. I think special teams are vital. They’ll be really vital this week. We’re down our starting kick returner. We’re down our starting punt returner. Those are big things, so other guys have to step up.”

The Huskers are 30th in the nation in kick returns, with 12 returns for an average of 23.58 yards. The team has taken a step back regarding punt returns, as they stand at 113th in the county for an average of 3.33 yards per return.

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