Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Nebraska could be down multiple DBs vs. UCLA, per Matt Rhule

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Nebraska is looking to finally get its sixth win and a key rebound victory Saturday against UCLA. Unfortunately, the defense could be shorthanded for that matchup with the Bruins.

At his Thursday press conference, head coach Matt Rhule confirmed the Huskers are iffy on the status of two key contributors in the defensive backfield. He ruled out Malcolm Hartzog who is battling a hamstring injury and provided a questionable update to another contributor.

“I’m not sure,” said Rhule about Tommi Hill’s status. “He practiced a little bit today… I’m not sure.”

“We’re beat up,” Rhule admitted about the defensive backfield. “We don’t have Malcolm Hertzog, we don’t have Tommi. Potentially Tommi, Malcolm’s doing his best to get back but I don’t think that he will, so we’ll be counting on some other guys as well.”

Hartzog is currently the team leader with 4 interceptions on the year and is also tied for second with 3 pass breakups. Meanwhile, Hill has an interception that was returned for a pick-6 earlier in the year.

With the current outlook, Rhule is anticipating Nebraska starting redshirt freshman Jeremiah Charles against UCLA. He has played in every game this season with 5 tackles and a pass breakup to his tally, and Rhule shared some positive comments about Charles’ potential.

“He’s a tremendous athlete, he’s had to play in some serious situations. He has the benefit of going against 2 of the best wideouts in the league last week, so he should be very confident,” said Rhule. “… (There’s) probably not many guys as fast as him. Just like any young player, building their confidence. It’s a lot different when you’re older.”

We’ll see if Charles can leave an impact on Saturday with Nebraska looking for a crucial win.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.