Travis Vokolek leaves Nebraska's game vs Northwestern with apparent injury

NS_headshot_clearbackgroundby:Nick Schultz•08/27/22•

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Nebraska fans saw their team lose its lead in the third quarter against Northwestern on Saturday. Then, they saw their tight end get helped to the sidelines with an apparent injury.

Travis Vokolek went down with an injury with 6:48 left in the third quarter and had to be helped off the field. The senior tight end was having a solid day at the time, totaling three catches for 40 yards before leaving the game.

Nate Boerkircher came in for Vokolek on the ensuing drive.

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Vokolek is one of the leaders for Nebraska this year and could be in for a big year with new quarterback Casey Thompson under center and new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple calling the shots.

Nebraska had a 28-17 lead at one point against Northwestern in the third quarter, but the Wildcats answered right back with a touchdown of their own to make it a one-possession game.

Casey Thompson showcases playmaking ability, completes impressive pass vs Northwestern

Casey Thompson has high expectations as he takes over as the starting quarterback at Nebraska. He showed why the bar is so high in the third quarter on Saturday.

Thompson looked like he was going to get sacked by Northwestern’s Taishan Holmes, but he eluded the defender and kept scrambling to extend the play. Then, he completed the 57-yard pass to Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda to put Nebraska deep in Northwestern territory.

Just like Mark Whipple drew it up, right?

The play proved to be big as Nebraska re-took the lead over Northwestern, 21-17, thanks to a three-yard touchdown run from Anthony Grant. On the ensuing drive, the Cornhuskers forced a fumble before scoring once again to make it a 28-17 lead.

Thompson made big plays a few times against Northwestern in his first game as the Cornhuskers starter. The former Texas star led the Huskers on an impressive opening drive, which culminated in a touchdown pass to Garcia-Castaneda. Then, he ran in a touchdown on Nebraska’s second drive to extend Nebraska’s lead at the time.