On a beautiful Thursday night in an NFL city, a senior safety came up with a huge interception to set up a victory on the first night of the season.
This huge play was–of course–made by Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin to beat Nebraska in the 2023 season opener. The Gophers, though losing in most statistical categories, made plays all over the field that night. They picked off three passes, forced a key fumble at a critical time, and made an incredible toe-tapping touchdown catch.
Nebraska, on the other hand, misfired on a wide open deep shot, dropped a gimme interception in the endzone, and
The Huskers lost a close game for the same reason they usually have; they just didn’t make plays. And their opponent did.
Fast forward two years to this Thursday night. It was Nebraska making the big plays. Forcing a key fumble at a critical time? Vincent Shavers says check. Catching an incredible toe-tapping touchdown? Nyziah Hunter says check. Intercepting a game-winning pass in the end zone? Malcolm Hartzog says checkmate.
There is a lot to pick at in the Husker’s razor thin win over the Bearcats. The offense was inefficient. Depth at running back appeared to be nonexistent. And, oh boy, did the defense struggle to win the line of scrimmage.
But at long last the Huskers look to finally have playmakers. And wouldn’t you know it, they were able to play-make their way to a close-game win.
