Nebraska coordinator Ed Foley gives update on Tristan Alvano, evaluation of special teams play

Foley said the offense and defense are playing at a championship-caliber level, and he wants the special teams unit to make plays that help the Huskers win, too.

“Overall, we’re not playing our best football,” Foley said. “We’ve got to play better as a unit.”

Nebraska has shown flashes on special teams, with a blocked field goal and punts that have put the opposing offenses in tough spots. Foley said there’s still room for improvement to become more consistent.

“We’re not making enough of those plays right now,” Foley said.

Foley gave an update on kicker Tristan Alvano, who is 3-for-4 on field goal attempts this season.

“I don’t think Tristan’s 100% yet,” Foley said. “He’s getting better, and he’s challenging himself to try to get better.”

Foley said his not being fully healthy yet may affect his confidence, but the kicker is working with the medical and coaching staff to return to being healthy.

He said the team doesn’t need one individual player doing too much; they have to work together as a unit and support each other.

Foley said the short week of preparing for Illinois hadn’t affected the team too much. Matt Rhule’s challenge is determining how much he wants to go full speed with pads on.

A player who has stood out to him is punter Brian Buschini. Buschini told Foley that Saturday’s game against Northern Iowa was the first time in his career he didn’t punt in a game.

Buschini has been used in some kickoffs, and Foley said the punter’s maturity stands out most to him.

“He’s not afraid to get involved to say that’s not good enough or hey, that was a really good job,” Foley said. “It has a whole different impact when it’s peer to peer.”

Foley said wide receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda came into camp wanting the punt returner job and did the work to earn the spot.

“Since I’ve gotten here, IGC’s been a total pro,” Foley said. “He’s like having a grown man out there.”

Wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. is another player Foley said could have a chance to return a punt.

“He’s a guy that we’ve got to get on the field,” Foley said. “I won’t make any promises, but we’ve identified the fact that he’s really talented.”

Foley said being a physical unit is vital for the team, but it will be even more critical in Big Ten play.

“It’s our DNA,” Foley said. “We’re going to do all we can do to be the most physical special teams unit in the country.”