PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska football writer Parker Gabriel offers his extra points from the Huskers' home opener against South Alabama.
Turning point: Probably Eric Lee's interception return for a touchdown at the beginning of the second half. That was the first of three non-offensive scores for the Huskers. JD Spielman had two turning points — a punt return touchdown that put NU up 28-7 and in position to blow South Alabama out, then a muffed punt that contributed to the Jaguars getting back in the game.Â
It was over when: Lee's second interception really sealed it. The Huskers led by two scores for the final 14 minutes, 53 seconds, but Lee's second pick gave Nebraska the ball back up two scores with 4:42 remaining.Â
Quotable: Head coach Scott Frost, speaking about a group of veteran defensive backs that was originally recruited by a different coaching staff.Â
"If you look at our secondary, we've got a lot of guys that persevered through the coaching change and what we were expecting of them, and now they're some of our best teammates and today some of our best players. Lamar Jackson, Eric Lee, Marquel Dismuke. There's others. Those guys were here when we got here and it takes a while to learn what we expect and want guys to do and what the standards are. Those guys aren't just living up to the standards now, they're holding other people to the standard and setting a new standard.
"I'm glad to see those guys having the success they're having, and they deserve it."Â
Game ball:Â Lee. It's obvious by now, isn't it? The senior from Colorado had his first two career interceptions and ended up in the end zone on one of them.Â
Game ball:Â Cam Taylor-Britt. The sophomore defensive back switched from corner to safety on the fly and finished with five tackles (two for loss), a sack and forced fumble that resulted in an Alex Davis touchdown, and an interception. Pretty good day at the office.Â
Notable performance:Â Junior inside linebacker Collin Miller finished with a modest four tackles (one for loss), but he looks like he's settled in nicely at inside linebacker. He moved a year ago and on Saturday he looked fast and athletic, capable of stopping plays inside and also on the perimeter.Â
Deep connection: The biggest play of the day for the offense came on the first drive when sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez hit tight end Jack Stoll for 42 yards on a pop pass over the middle. In fact, Martinez's three longest completions — Stoll's catch and 17- and 19-yarders to JD Spielman — came on the opening drive.Â
2.2:Ìý Rushing yards per attempt for Nebraska.
1.9: Rushing yards per attempt allowed by Nebraska.
3: Career return scores for Spielman, who now has one in each of his three collegiate seasons.
4: Â Fumbles (two lost) for the Huskers on Saturday, far too high a number.
131: All-purpose yards for Wan'Dale Robinson in his collegiate debut (77 return, 33 receiving, 21 rushing).
693: Â Days since Nebraska had a winning record. NU lost to Wisconsin on Oct. 7, 2017, to fall to 3-3 and had been even or worse since then.Â
17: Plays for Nebraska's offense in the second half after 49 in the first half.Â
9: Tackles for loss for NU, part of a good, disruptive defensive start to the season.
45.5: Punter Isaac Armstrong's average on six punts. A couple of nice rolls included, but a solid effort to start the year.Â
12: Tackles for Mohamed Barry, a team high for the senior who had 112 a year ago.Â
Zero: Snaps for Jahkeem Green, the juco defensive lineman who arrived at NU midway through preseason camp.Â
Photos: Highlights from the Nebraska-South Alabama game
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) (left) tries to strip the ball from South Alabama's Tra Minter (5) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington rushes against South Alabama in the third quarter last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Darrion Daniels (left) carries a little boy off the field after the Huskers defeated South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to a reporter after the Huskers defeated South Alabama 35-21 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Isaac Armstrong (98) (center) punts the ball in a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
In the first game of his sophomore season, Adrian Martinez (2) directs a Husker receiver in the second quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) proceeds down the sideline after shaking off an attempted tackle from South Alabama's Travis Reed (not shown) in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Isaac Armstrong (98) punts against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Mohamed Barry (left) tackles South Alabama's Khameron Taylor just as he makes it in to the end zone on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Max Smith (left) cheers as the Huskers score a touchdown against South Alabama while his friend takes a nap on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington avoids getting tackled by South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle is attended to after getting hurt during a play against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) celebrates with Collin Miller after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker fans watch Nebraska host South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (right) talks with Huskers safety Eric Lee as they walk off the field after the team's 35-21 win over South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Eric Lee (left) picks off a pass intended for South Alabama's Cade Sutherland in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Lee had a pick-six in the third quarter against the Jaguars.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker football players run out on to the field before a game against South Alabama last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker cheerleaders run with flags after the Huskers scored against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
The Husker marching band takes the field before a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker cheerleaders perform before a game against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost greets people as he walks onto the field against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
South Alabama's Jalen Tolber (8) can't collect a pass during the first half of a football game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
South Alabama's quarterback Cephus Johnson scores the team's first touchdown in the first half of a football game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (19) and Nebraska cornerback Lamar Jackson (21) celebrate deflecting a pass in the first half of a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs with the ball in the first quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) reacts after getting tackled short of the goal line after a long run in the first quarter last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Kanawai Noa (9) breaks up an interception attempt by South Alabama's Keith Gallmon (33) in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) runs towards the goal line before getting tackled in the first quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills (26) scored two first-half touchdowns against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Herbie Husker high-fives fans after the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost waves as he leads the team off the buses as they tried a new location for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Fans look on as buses carrying the Nebraska football team arrive before a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
A Nebraska flag flying above Memorial Stadium is shown reflected in a puddle on Saturday, August 31, 2019.
EMILY HANEY Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost and offensive line coach Greg Austin get ready to walk into Memorial Stadium for a game during the 2019 season. Austin now has new responsibilities with the running game.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) greets fans during the Unity Walk on Aug. 31, 2019, before a football game against South Alabama at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) greets fans during the Unity Walk on Saturday before a football game against South Alabama at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Herbie Husker looks on as buses carrying Nebraska football players arrive on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the team off the buses as they tried a new location for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Kai Ranaekers dives through a tunnel as part of an obstacle course before a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Seven-year-old Jackson Strickler of Fremont heaves a "cheeseburger" while playing cornhole for a pair of socks prior to the Nebraska-South Alabama game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Kash Kowalski of Norfolk gets a balloon hat fitted on to his head before a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
The Nebraska football players take part in the Unity Walk before the game against South Alabama in 2019.
CHRIS BASNETT, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) celebrates his fourth-quarter fumble recover for a touchdown with Husker teammate Collin Miller on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander watches the team during pre-game warm-ups Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington gestures toward one of his teammates during pre-game warmups last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out before their game against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Mohamed Barry tackles South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson as Collin Miller (31) comes over to help in the first quarter Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) runs for a first down on a pass from Huskers' quarterback Adrian Martinez (right) against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (right) tackles South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws on the run as he's pursued by South Alabama's Tre Young in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Darrion Daniels (right) pursues South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson on Aug. 31, 2019 at Memorial Stadium. Daniels is spending time with family in Dallas ahead of the NFL Draft next week.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander directs his players during pre-game warm-ups Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska center Cam Jurgens (51) snaps the ball before blocking South Alabama's Jordon Beaton in August 2019 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt celebrates a tackle of South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson in the second quarter Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's JD Spielman (10) breaks the attempted tackle of South Alabama's Zac Crosby (85) on a punt returned for a touchdown in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Eric Lee returns an interception for a third-quarter touchdown against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's JD Spielman returns a punt for a touchdown in the third quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) shakes off an attempted tackle from South Alabama's Travis Reed in August at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles away as offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes (76) blocks a South Alabama defender in the second quarter on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive lineman Carlos Davis (96) tackles South Alabama running back Jared Wilson in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost confers with assistant coaches Ryan Held (left) and Sean Beckton during the second quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Lamar Jackson (left) bumps helmets with teammate JoJo Domann after a second-quarter tackle against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
** Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31 **
Nebraska safety Eric Lee returns an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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