With the targeting rules currently in place in college football, it's only getting harder to play defense, Nebraska inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud said Thursday.
Speaking on the Husker Sports Radio Network's "Sports Nightly" program, Ruud said Nebraska's coaches have to do the best they can in teaching their players to avoid the kinds of penalties that lead to suspensions, like those levied against Cam Taylor-Britt and Deontai Williams.
Both players will miss the first half of the Northwestern game after being ejected for targeting in the second half against Ohio State.
"I think the penalties are too harsh. I understand you're trying to make the game as safe as possible, (but) defensive backs get the short end of the stick," said Nebraska's all-time leading tackler. "We work 'strike zone' tackles a lot, trying to find that sweet spot area where you can hit a guy and be physical.
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"At the same time, I don't think it's right for a guy to miss part of a game for a judgement call. Sometimes it's egregious, but I don't like guys missing games because of a judgement call."
One guy that missed Nebraska's first game because of injury, sophomore Luke Reimer, should be full-go against Northwestern, Ruud said.
Reimer rolled an ankle in practice the week before the Ohio State game, and "probably" would have been able to play against Wisconsin had the game not been canceled.
"It just took a little while to get back confident moving around on it," Ruud said."
Ruud said it was head coach Scott Frost who first informed Reimer he had been put on scholarship this season, but he was also able to share a fun moment with the standout from Lincoln North Star.
"I told him, you could have held me hostage last year, really, if you wanted to and said 'I'm leaving if you don't put me on scholarship,'" Ruud said. "I knew after his first individual drill last year that he was going to be a scholarship guy. When he got here, he was just a natural at the inside linebacker spot."
Ohio State prevails over Huskers in delayed season opener
Photos: Ohio State prevails over Huskers 52-17 in delayed season opener
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson (99) and linebacker Will Honas (3) tackle Ohio State Buckeyes running back Master Teague (bottom) during the fourth quarter Oct. 24 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) reacts after being called for targeting during the fourth quarter against Ohio State on Oct. 24 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska running back Rahmir Johnson returns a kickoff during the fourth quarter against Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska offensive lineman Ethan Piper (57) battles with Ohio State linebacker Dallas Gant (19) during the fourth quarter on Oct. 24 in Columbus, Ohio.
JOSHUA BICKEL, POOL VIA OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska's quarterback Luke McCaffrey pitches the ball during the fourth quarter against Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JOSHUA BICKEL, POOL VIA OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) tackles Ohio State running back Trey Sermon during the fourth quarter Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska running back Rahmir Johnson runs the ball against Ohio State during the fourth quarter Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Former Nebraska defensive lineman Keem Green (4) battles with Ohio State offensive lineman Wyatt Davis (52) during the fourth quarter Oct. 24, 2020, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.Â
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska offensive linemen Trent Hixson (75) and Matt Sichterman (70) leave the field after the Huskers' 52-17 loss to Ohio State on Saturday.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska defensive players run to the sideline after giving up a touchdown to Ohio State during the fourth quarter Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille (95) chases Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields during the fourth quarter in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 24.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska wide receiver Brody Belt receives a kickoff during the third quarter against Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson (1) fights for yardage as Ohio State's Marcus Hooker (23) and Baron Browning (5) go for the tackle during the third quarter on Oct. 24 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska safety Myles Farmer (18) and cornerback Quinton Newsome talk between plays in the third quarter against Ohio State last season at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
JOSHUA BICKEL, Ohio State Athletics
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs the ball against Ohio State last month at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Nebraska quarterback said the Huskers know they have to make individual sacrifices to make the season work amid pandemic.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska linebackers Garrett Nelson (left) and Will Honas (3) sack Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields during the third quarter Oct. 24 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska's offensive line is expected to return multiple starters, including center Cameron Jurgens, guard Ethan Piper and tackle Bryce Benhart.
OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
The Buckeyes celebrate with a smattering supporters at Ohio Stadium after defeating Nebraska 52-17 on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) waits for the snap during Saturday's game against Nebraska in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon runs for some of his 48 yards against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. The Huskers' Myles Farmer (from left), Collin Miller and Keem Green pursue.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Nebraska during Saturday's game in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon (8) tries to get past the outstretched arm of Nebraska defensive end Ben Stille (95) on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
The Nebraska defense tries to block the kick by Ohio State's Blake Haubeil (95) during Saturday's game in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska tight Austin Allen (11) tries to stay upright against Ohio State defenders Pete Werner (20) and Marcus Williamson on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) loses the ball in the third quarter on Oct. 24 against Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes recovered the fumble and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown.
KIRK IRWIN, POOL VIA OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive back Sevyn Banks runs back a Nebraska fumble 55 yards for a touchdown Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive back Sevyn Banks (7) takes off with a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive backs Shaun Wade (from left), Marcus Williamson and Sevyn Banks celebrate against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State's Sevyn Banks is greeted on the Ohio State sideline. Banks ran back a Nebraska fumble for a touchdown in the Buckeyes' 52-17 win Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Sevyn Banks of Ohio State scores after returning a fumble 55 yards against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) pitches the ball as Nebraska's Caleb Tannor closes in Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive end Jonathon Cooper (0) reaches for Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska running back Ronald Thompkins (25) tries to fend off Ohio State's Tyreke Smith on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State players celebrate against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, OHIO STATE
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) talks with some players during the first half against Ohio State on Oct. 24 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Nebraska 52-17.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Xavier Johnson (left) is tackled by Nebraska linebacker Garrett Snodgrass during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska running back Ronald Thompkins runs past Ohio State defensive back Lloyd McFarquhar last October in Columbus, Ohio.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day talks with quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the second half of their game against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 52-17.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Ohio State during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 52-17.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields drops back to pass against Nebraska during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon (center) tries to run upfield between Nebraska defenders Garrett Snodgrass (left) and Keem Green in the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Jack Miller (center) celebrates his touchdown against Nebraska with teammate Luke Wypler during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive back Marcus Williamson (left) chases Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska defensive back Marquel Dismuke (left) forces Ohio State quarterback Jack Miller out of bounds during the second half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LAPRETE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Garrett Wilson hauls in a 42-yard touchdown in front of Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle (7) during the first quarter Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
Kirk Irwin, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State's Javontae Jean-Baptiste stops Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State takes the field in an empty stadium ahead of Saturday's game against Nebraska in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State coach Ryan Day during the first half against Nebraska on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio Sate quarterback Justin Fields eludes Pheldarius Payne (49) during the first half Saturday, Oct. 24 in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska tight end Travis Vokolek (83) and Ohio State's Shaun Wade battle for a ball during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Garrett Wilson (left) hauls in a 42-yard touchdown in front of Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle during the first quarter Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) escapes Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Master Teague looks to get around a couple of Nebraska defenders, including Marquel Dismuke (9) on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
KIRK IRWIN, Ohio State
Nebraska at Ohio St, 10.24
Nebraska's Niko Cooper (32), Nouredin Nouili (63) and Ethan Piper (57) take part in pregame warmups before Nebraska's game against Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 24, 2020.Â
Ohio State Athletics
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and safety Deontai Williams (8) combine to tackle Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) last year at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.Â
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) celebrates after a touchdown against Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska center Cameron Jurgens (51) looks to the sideline during the first quarter against Ohio State on Oct. 24 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) runs the ball as Ohio State safety Marcus Hooker (23) makes the tackle during the first quarter Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
JOSHUA BICKEL, POOL VIA OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) hands the ball off to Dedrick Mills (26) during the first quarter against Ohio State on Oct. 24Â at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
JOSHUA BICKEL, Pool via Ohio State Athletics
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills (26) reaches for the touchdown during the second quarter Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) kicks off his third season as the Huskers' starting quarterback against Ohio State on Oct. 24, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller (31) celebrates after a stop during the second quarter against Ohio State on Oct. 24 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) tackles Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost talks to his players Oct. 24 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State players run on to the field for the start of their game Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann (top) and defensive back Marquel Dismuke tackle Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska linebacker Will Honas tackles Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (right) celebrates a touchdown against Ohio State with teammates during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt forces Ohio State running back Master Teague (33) out of bounds during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State defensive back Marcus Hooker (23) tackles Nebraska tight end Austin Allen during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.Â
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon cuts up field against Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson catches a touchdown pass past Nebraska defensive back Dicaprio Bootle during the first half last October in Columbus, Ohio.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Master Teague spins into the end zone against Nebraska defensive back Marquel Dismuke during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State running back Master Teague celebrates his touchdown against Nebraska during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson, top, celebrates his touchdown against Nebraska with teammate Nicholas Petit-Frere during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Nebraska during the first half Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
JAY LaPRETE, The Associated Press
Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is knocked out of bounds by Ohio State cornerback Marcus Williamson (21) during the second quarter Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Contact the writer at cbasnett@journalstar.com or 402-473-7436. On Twitter @HuskerExtraCB.
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