PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
Steven M. Sipple and Parker Gabriel discuss what they found most intriguing from chatting with coaches Erik Chinander, Matt Lubick, Travis Fisher and player Wyatt Liewer.
Lincoln Journal Star
Last week, Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said he thought teams had been mostly staying away from throwing the ball toward junior cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt.
On Saturday against Purdue, Taylor-Britt added another play to his highlight reel, rising high in one-on-one coverage against star sophomore receiver David Bell down the sideline to knock a pass away. It looked a lot like a similar play he made against the similarly talented Jahan Dotson of Penn State earlier this fall.
Taylor-Britt, a Montgomery, Alabama, native, also was involved in Purdue’s biggest play of the game when he and senior Marquel Dismuke collided while trying to play a deep attempt for Bell that turned into an 89-yard touchdown.
And sure, he dropped an interception in the fourth quarter, too.
But coaches and teammates alike say Taylor-Britt is playing at a high level on the edge for the Huskers.
“Cam is playing at an elite level,†senior cornerback Dicaprio Bootle said Monday. “He’s a heavy competitor. Somebody who, no matter what it is, we could be flipping a coin and he’s going to want to get in on that coin flip and be able to call whether it’s heads or tails. That’s just a testament to the guy that he is.
“He’s took this year and took the time off to really help himself grow as a player. I always thought the highest of Cam and thought he was a great player, regardless of if he might have had some miscues in prior years. Who doesn’t? But that guy right there, as somebody that’s younger than me, I really admire his work and I really admire the things that he does on the field and just the player that he’s evolved into over his time here.
“Down the line, if he continues to do what he’s doing, it’ll pay off for him big time.â€
Secondary coach Travis Fisher thinks the same way. On Tuesday, Fisher said he hasn’t had any talks yet with his senior trio — Bootle plus safeties Dismuke and Deontai Williams — about the decision they’ll face after the season: use the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility and return to NU or try to make it in the NFL.
“I’d rather talk to them about Minnesota,†he said.
Fisher, though, knows he’ll have that same talk with Taylor-Britt whenever football in 2020 has wrapped up.
“He has a lot of room to (grow). He has a very high ceiling,†Fisher said of the junior, who spent his first two seasons at NU bouncing between safety, cornerback and playing in the slot. “I think right now, in my opinion, I think Cam is one of the top corners definitely in the Big Ten. If not the top corner in the Big Ten. … There’s a lot of work that Cam needs to work on as far as the longevity of the game and being able to look outside of the Big Ten and let’s talk about other things. Let’s talk about how can he help his team win a championship? With his ability and how you play on the outside. Stuff like that.
“So, the football and the NFL and all that stuff is going to take care of itself. Right now, Cam is playing very good on the outside. He’s very physical on the outside, great ball skills on the outside. Great teammate. Contributing on special teams, huge part of special teams. The future is very bright for Cam.â€
In fact, that’s been a topic of conversation recently between Taylor-Britt and Bootle, who have turned into one of the more reliable pairs of corners in the conference.
“It’s actually crazy, we were talking about this earlier in the locker room and just telling him how much better he’s got over the years and just telling him that I’m so happy that he’s been in my life for the past couple of years,†Bootle said. “That way we can help each other grow and learn a lot from each other. That’s my guy forever.â€
Photos: Huskers end two-game losing skid with 37-27 win against Purdue
Purdue running back King Doerue (22) goes over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) for a touchdown during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp (33) celebrates a 49-yard field goal against Purdue during the second quarter on Saturday, Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) makes a catch in front of Purdue safety Marvin Grant (4) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) blocks the punt of Nebraska punter William Przystup (90) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrate a stop on fourth down in the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Simon Otte chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter in the Huskers' game against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Simon Otte (34) chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) celebrates his touchdown with running back Dedrick Mills during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer scores a touchdown against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) throws against Nebraska during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter last year in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez breaks away from Purdue defenders on his way to a touchdown run during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) celebrates after blocking a punt against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) is sacked by Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrates a sack against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer and Dedrick Mills celebrate Liewer's touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt runs into Purdue's TJ Sheffield during a punt return Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt was penalized on the play.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille and Garrett Nelson sack Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt defends Purdue receiver David Bell in the end zone on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Nadab Joseph is carted off the field after an injury against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Dedrick Mills rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez practices a snap before the Huskers play Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey practices a snap before Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Will Honas tackles Purdue's Rondale Moore after a reception Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue's Zander Horvath runs the ball against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt gets a grip on Purdue receiver David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Deontai Williams defends a pass to Purdue's Payne Durham on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's Branson Deen grabs the jersey of Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Sichterman on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille sacks Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's David Bell runs into the end zone to complete a touchdown reception against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A pass eludes Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle knocks down a pass against Purdue's Milton Wright on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams tackles Purdue's TJ Sheffield on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Jack Plummer throws a pass against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska sophomore wideout Wan'Dale Robinson tries to escape a defender during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska junior quarterback throws a pass Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks downfield Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams (8) and linebacker Will Honas combine to stop Purdue running back Doerue King Saturday game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to linebacker Caleb Tannor (2)Â during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes blocks a Purdue defender on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
A pair of Husker defenders stop Purdue running back Zander Horvath during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Garrett Nelson (44) picks up Cam Taylor-Britt after a big defensive play Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska wide receiver Levi Falck is stopped by a Purdue defender during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer scores against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Nebraska defense mostly held Purdue star receiver David Bell in check. He had 10 catches for 132 yards, but 89 of those yards came on a touchdown in which two Huskers collided into each other.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Austin Allen catches a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska and Purdue players get testy during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Geovonte' Howard and Marvin Grant react to penalty flags being thrown against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David Bell last season in West Lafayette, Ind.
Omaha World Herald file photo
Nebraska's Scott Frost and Purdue's Jeff Brohm shake hands after Nebraska defeated Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) in December in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt recently said returning to Nebraska rather than jumping to the NFL was an easy decision.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska junior quarterback Adrian Martinez looks for room to run during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior cornerback Dicaprio Bootle defends Purdue's Milton Wright on a pass play during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska receiver Zavier Betts tries to work his way around Purdue's Kieren Douglas on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams defends Purdue's Payne Durham during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez fires a pass during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska guard Matt Farniok celebrates a big play during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior running back Dedrick Mills picks up yards during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Brenden Jaimes (left) and Adrian Martinez (center) celebrate Martinez's first-half touchdown during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Zavier Betts hauls in pass against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue's Marvin Grant (4) and Geovante' Howard (13) don't like a call as Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks on. Nebraska and Purdue combined to commit 233 yards of penalties, but the ones Boilermakers committed proved to more costly.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez passes toward the sideline against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's David Bell catches a pass as Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Marquel Dismuke converge. Bell would take the reception 89 yards for a touchdown.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey looks to throw a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks for running room against Purdue as Wyatt Liewer holds up on a block against a Boilermaker on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A worker fixes the north end zone video board before the Nebraska at Purdue football game Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Levi Falck gestures for a first down against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille (95) pressures Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer during the second quarter Dec. 5, 2020 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter last season in West Lafayette, Indiana.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) tries to elude Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann (13) on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates a stop against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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