Huskers Face a Challenge in Spartans’ Walker
The Huskers need to improve in the tackling department this week against Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III, defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said after Tuesday's Nebraska football practice.
Walker leads the nation in rushing yards and averages more than eight yards per carry.
“He’s going to challenge your leverage. ... There haven’t been a lot of single tackles on this guy, so a lot of hats need to get to the football,” Chinander said.
Kenneth Walker III on the run vs. Miami.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
One more hat in the tackling mix in East Lansing could be that of Casey Rogers. Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said the fourth-year sophomore is back to 90 to 95 percent of full health and indicated he may get his first snaps of the season against the Spartans. Rogers suited up Saturday at Oklahoma but did not play.
Running backs coach Ryan Held confirmed that true freshman Gabe Ervin Jr. will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery Tuesday. Ervin suffered a patellar tendon injury in the second half Saturday against the Sooners.
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Coverage
- All Huskers | Knee Surgery Ends Season for Gabe Ervin
- Husker247 | Tuesday Quick Hits: Latest from Husker coordinators
- Husker247 | Held talks Ervin, rotation and more
- Husker247 | BC's Breakdown: Hope from Husker performance now needs win under its wings
- Husker247 | Vokolek's return a necessary boost for Husker offense
- Hail Varsity | Erik Chinander Felt Nebraska's Tackling Lacked at Oklahoma, Needs to Improve At Michigan State
- Omaha World-Herald* | Huskers prep for one of nation's best running backs: Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III
- Omaha World-Herald* | Wells, traps and picks: Husker pass rush goals go beyond sacks
- Omaha World-Herald* | Notes: Defensive line nears full health ahead of stiff test at Michigan State
- Omaha World-Herald* | Husker Q&A: Deontre Thomas on fishing, juggling and 90s video games
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Faced with climbing the depth chart or getting passed up, Husker RB Rahmir Johnson has ascended
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Red Report: Ervin out for season; Rogers near full health; Clark's good play; Betts and Manning progressing
- Nebraska Athletics | Lubick Talks Areas of Offensive Focus Ahead of Saturday
Video recaps
- Lincoln Journal Star | Sipple/Gabriel Four Downs
- Lincoln Journal Star | Sipple/Gabriel Four Downs
- Omaha World Herald | Evan Bland
- Hail Varsity | Sorensen/Smith
- HuskerOnline | Sean Callahan
Video
Matt Lubick
Erik Chinander
Ryan Held
Tony Tuioti
Pheldarius Payne
Zavier Betts
Deontre Thomas
Levi Falck
From the other side
- Saturday Tradition | Challenge accepted? Nebraska fans respond to Mel Tucker's call for MSU faithful to block out Huskers
- Lansing State Journal* | Mel Tucker wants Spartan Stadium to become 'The Woodshed' again
- Detroit Free Press | Michigan State football's Mel Tucker news conference: What we learned
- Spartan Nation | The Three Most Interesting Things Mel Tucker Said: Sept. 21, 2021
- SpartanMag | Video of Mel Tucker's Tuesday press conference
