Special teams are important. They might not make up one third of a winning formula — they’re not right up there with offense and defense — but if you’re barfing all over yourself on special teams, it will show up in the final score. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, led by head coach Scott Frost (at least for now) could tell you all about that.
In their August 27, 2022 season opener against Northwestern in Ireland, Nebraska tried an onside kick halfway through the third quarter, up 28-17. The Wildcats recovered the attempt, and ended up winning the game, 31-28.
Nebraska attempts the onside kick but Northwestern comes up with it pic.twitter.com/XRVWZ8owok
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 27, 2022
Watching the onside kick again from Nebraska.
What isn’t being discussed is how prepared Northwestern was for it. Watch how all their guys remain disciplined, immediately sprinting to the ball. Almost as if they knew it was coming.
Now THAT’S coaching. pic.twitter.com/VmaGQJPaah
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) August 29, 2022
Back in America, Frost and his staff seemed to have a similar predilection for special teams issues. Nebraska tried a squib kick against North Dakota, and at least they won this one, 38-17.
Missed the beginning but this reaction from @kevinsjuts after that squib/onside kick should explain it all #nebraska pic.twitter.com/uz3t0CoZF4
— Devan Meyer (@Stairway2_Devan) September 3, 2022
After the game, Frost channeled his internal Ted Lasso, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the episode.
Scott Frost on the squib: "We have the smartest football fans in America and I want them all to know that was not an onside kick."
— Amie Just (@Amie_Just) September 3, 2022
Well, at least we have that squared away. The Cornhuskers face Georgia Southern next Saturday, and we can only imagine what special teams shenanigans await us.
