knapplc
International Man of Mystery
Click the headline for more notes from Sherman.
Niles is ranked ninth in the country in punt returns, by the way.
Washington is 90th in the country in Punt Return Defense, and 91st in Kickoff Return Defense.
It had better be Paul and Marlowe back there returning kickoffs. Unless Marlowe is hurt, he's been doing a great job. Marlowe is ranked 13th in the country in kickoff returns, and if Washington is as vulnerable as they appear on special teams, we need him back there.Notes: Play call surprised NU's Paul
LINCOLN — Nebraska receiver Niles Paul was surprised at the call Saturday on the first play of the second half. And based on the result, it may not happen again soon.
Paul, with the Huskers leading 31-3 over Idaho, lined up behind center in the Wildcat formation. He took the snap and fumbled when he ran into I-back Rex Burkhead. Idaho's Aaron Lavarius recovered.
“I was real excited we actually ran it,” Paul said. “I was supposed to carry out the fake, and I think I rushed it too much, because I ended up colliding with Rex.”
Paul said he was intent on keeping the football.
“I saw nothing but green grass,” he said.
Paul's fumble, one of eight Saturday for Nebraska, contributed to four turnovers against the Vandals. As a result, he said, the coaches are overloading the Huskers this week in practice with a “massive amount” of ball-security drills. Tough work, according to Paul.
“It's terrible,” he said.
He said he expects to return kickoffs Saturday against Washington for the first time this season. He handled punt returns in the first two games.
Niles is ranked ninth in the country in punt returns, by the way.
Washington is 90th in the country in Punt Return Defense, and 91st in Kickoff Return Defense.
