Special teams, Mason Jones’ special play

WILSON MOORE
Omaha World-Herald

Jacory Barney thought Tristan Alvano was there to celebrate. After Barney had looped around the kickoff coverage team and burst into the open field, all that was between him and the goal line was the kicker Alvano, donning a gray jersey like the rest of the specialists. It was a shade, apparently, that was close enough to Barney’s white jersey to confuse the receiver in the chaos of the moment. Alvano dragged Barney down after a 78-yard return.

“I thought he was my teammate so I was gonna get ready to celebrate with him,” Barney said. “And I see him tackle me … it’s gonna be crazy but they gonna forget about all that Week 2 when I’m taking it back on Colorado.”

Barney has spent time returning punts in his first spring at NU. He didn’t know he’d be returning kickoffs, something he did in high school, until Saturday. His return highlighted a mixed day for the Huskers’ special teams.

Alvano missed a pair of field goals late in the first half from 32 and 43 yards out respectively. He connected on a 40-yarder late in the fourth quarter. Brian Buschini and Jacob Hohl each punted once for 46 and 31 yards respectively. Alvano and Buschini will likely handle kicking and punting duties in the fall. Redshirt freshman running back Kwinten Ives also lined up deep on kickoffs.