Big Ten releases injury report for Iowa vs. Nebraska
No. 17 Iowa and Nebraska will kick things off for the final week of regular season play in the Big Ten on Black Friday. Now, we know which players, specifically three Cornhuskers, who have injury statuses heading into the season-finale.
The Big Ten shared the injury report for the Hawkeyes and ‘Huskers a little before the start of the noon matchup in Lincoln. It featured just three players, all for Nebraska, with a pair of defensive players out and one running back who is questionable for the contest.
OUT
Nebraska LB Nick Henrich
Nebraska DL Elijah Jeudy
Questionable
RB Anthony Grant
Being without Henrich and Jeudy could be significant for Nebraska. Without Henrich, who tore his ACL in their last outing, they’ll be missing a junior that’s fifth for them in tackles (42) and tied for fifth in sacks (two). Jeudy will also take some depth away from their defensive line as the sophomore has eight tackles on the year.
However, the Cornhuskers will want Grant in any form that they can get him against Iowa. The senior is their leading back this season with 409 yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries. In a game where points and field position will be premium, any work that they can get from him on the ground could prove vital.
This game is about more than just the Heroes Trophy. Nebraska needs this victory in order to become bowl-eligible while Iowa wants to secure a fourth straight win and seventh in their last eight before appearing in the Big Ten Championship.
Still, it looks as though the Cornhuskers will be attempting to extend their season without or with limited services from this trio.
Rhule reveals Nebraska’s motivation level to make a bowl game
After jumping out to a 5-3 start, Matt Rhule and Nebraska have dropped three games in a row. Now, they need to beat rival Iowa to make a bowl game.
Beating Iowa isn’t going to be an easy task for Nebraska. However, Rhule has emphasized that the Cornhuskers are ready and motivated with the chance to become bowl-eligible.
“I’m motivated every week,” Rhule said. “I think it would be great for our program. It would be great for our young players. It would be great for our older guys. I know our older guys are motivated. I think, look at the last three weeks. We get knocked down and we get right back up and they come back each week.”
The Cornhuskers haven’t been to a bowl game since 2016. It’s clear that getting back to a bowl game matters for the fans and the program.
“I don’t think there’s any question that they’re motivated to try and get it done and try to get this win. Like I said when we were at 5-3, I didn’t want to just win one more – I wanted to win them all. I don’t want to win five or six – I want to win each week. I truly believe it when I say go 1-0 each week. They want to win,” Rhule said.
“They’re sitting here, it’s senior day. A lot of these guys? Tt’s their last game in the stadium. They’re playing a ranked team with a chance to go to a bowl game. If they lack any motivation? It’s all there for them. I’ve seen this group do nothing but fight every week all year.”