The Big Ten released its first availability report of Illinois week on Tuesday night, and Nebraska has two names worth watching before Friday’s 7 p.m. CT kickoff in Champaign on FOX.
Questionable: Conn and Gottula
Free safety Jamir Conn and offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula are both listed as questionable, according to On3’s reporting of the report. Conn has missed the last two games after an upper-body injury suffered against Indiana on Oct. 10. Gottula sat out last week’s loss to Washington.
Out
EDGE Anthony Jones remains out. Also listed out for Nebraska: running back Vince Genatone, wide receiver Larry Miles, defensive back Kahmir Prescott, linebackers Jacob Bower and Jase Reynolds, and defensive tackle Gabe Moore.
A new kicker
The other change is on special teams. The Daily Nebraskan reports that Matt Rhule confirmed Monday that senior John Hohl will start at place-kicker going forward. Kyle Cunanan is 4-of-9 on field goals this season and was replaced after missing a 36-yard try early in the fourth quarter against Washington. Hohl then hit a 42-yarder late in that game, his first field goal as a Husker in nearly two years.
“It’s hard to win a game when you miss these crucial field goals,” Rhule said Monday, per the Daily Nebraskan. “We have to be better in that area.”
Why it matters Friday
Nebraska (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten) needs one more win for bowl eligibility. Illinois (5-3, 3-2) has won three straight. In a three-game skid decided late every time, a healthy secondary and a reliable kick could be the difference. Expect another availability report before kickoff.
Featured image: Photo: Maize & Blue Nation. CC BY 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022_FB_UM_vs_Nebraska056_(52498863382).jpg.
