WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Notes, Quotes

The Sports Xchange

September 18, 2018 at 11:17 pm.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

–CB Lamar Jackson recorded his first career interception last week against Troy, a play that was especially notable because it marked the Huskers’ first interception by a cornerback in 21 games, dating to Chris Jones’ interception return for a touchdown at Indiana in 2016. He’ll have his hands full with Michigan QB Shea Patterson this week.

–WR JD Spielman, a sophomore, teams with WR Stanley Morgan Jr. to form one of the best wideout combinations in the country. Spielman last week caught a game-high six passes for 45 yards, which gave him 942 receiving yards in 13 career games. He should — perhaps this week — reach 1,000 receiving yards faster than anybody in school history, bettering Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers, who reached that yardage plateau in 16 career games. He had a 57-yard TD reception against Colorado.

–RB Maurice Washington, a freshman, earned rave reviews at times during camp from coaches for his ability to make big and spectacular plays. He showed some of that skill against Troy, carrying 14 times for a team-high 92 yards. Washington rushed for 34 yards on eight carries in the opener.

SERIES HISTORY: Nebraska and Michigan are tied 4-4-1. This is the first cross-division meeting since 2013, when the Cornhuskers won 17-13.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I think we’re a better team than the results say they are, but that doesn’t matter.” — Nebraska coach Scott Frost