Lots of options for game balls in Nebraska’s 31-14 win over Purdue.
It’s time for game balls as Husker247 determines who stood out in Saturday’s 31-14 win over Purdue.
There were no shortage of great moments or key plays in Nebraska’s win, but some players stood out more than others in the victory.
Here’s three we’ve chosen to highlight:
Tristan Alvano: Matt Rhule believed the kicker would come back from his early struggles. One of the reasons is he liked the confident manner Alvano had to work through them. Confidence showed on a 55-yarder on a tough weather day. That thing seriously might’ve been good from 65. This comes after he nailed a 47-yarder into the wind last week. For the second game in a row, Alvano also actually missed his last warmup PAT in pregame. This one hit the upright. Must be a good sign, I guess. Alvano’s last two weeks give belief he could hit that big fourth-quarter kick (you sense that attempt is soon coming) – and they also show the depth of his range. Alex Henery’s 57-yard record kick is going to get broken by this guy at some point.
— Brian Christopherson
Tommi Hill: It’s been a wild ride for this Florida defensive back in his two seasons with Nebraska. The defender changed positions and then changed back, he was suspended for the first spring practice and he’s had a couple poor plays this season. But on Saturday he had the best game of his career with a pair of interceptions and an impressive pass breakup during Purdue’s first 2-point attempt of the game. Hill was among several Huskers that were involved in some pregame jawing and then he proceeded to back it up all day long, ending Purdue’s day with an interception.
— Mike Schaefer
Emmett Johnson: The running back would have been an afterthought at the start of the season, but has become a dependable running back over the past few games. Johnson had a fumble late against Illinois, but has run like a featured back in wins over Northwestern and Purdue. Johnson had 76 yards on 13 carries, plus his first career rushing touchdown in the win over Purdue. Johnson also likely eased the stress of Husker fans with his 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that helped stop what had been a disastrous fourth quarter for Nebraska.
— Michael Bruntz
