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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Nebraska will be without three defensive starters Saturday at Rutgers, adding another challenge as the Huskers try to end a four-game losing streak. KETV reported the absences ahead of a road game that could finally secure bowl eligibility for Matt Rhule’s team.
Linebacker Owen Chambliss, cornerback Andrew Marshall are listed as out on the initial availability report, with edge rusher Anthony Jones Jr. remaining out for an extended period. Nebraska enters the matchup at 5-4, still searching for its sixth victory after opening the season with five consecutive wins.
Chambliss’ absence takes away both a leading tackler and a key communicator. He has 55 tackles, tied for the team lead, and wears the green dot to receive defensive calls from coordinator Rob Aurich. Replacing him means addressing the production and the communication that help keep the Blackshirts organized.
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The injury concerns extend across the secondary.
Marshall is unavailable, safety Dwayne McDougle III is questionable, and safety Jamir Conn is probable. Conn has missed the past three games after suffering an upper-body injury against Indiana on Oct. 10.
Marshall’s absence creates a particularly significant opening at cornerback. He played a team-high 67 defensive snaps in Nebraska’s 24-13 loss to Illinois last week. Freshman Danny Odem III and Towson transfer Jasin Shiggs could be asked to handle larger roles after playing five snaps and one snap, respectively, in that game.
At linebacker, Dawson Merritt is another player who could see more work. The sophomore played 17 snaps against Illinois and now figures into Nebraska’s effort to replace Chambliss.
Rutgers has substantial problems of its own, particularly on offense.
Wide receiver KJ Duff is out for the season following ankle surgery. He has accounted for 774 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 45 catches, representing more than 39 percent of the Scarlet Knights’ receiving yardage and half their receiving touchdowns.
No other Rutgers receiver has more than 265 yards this season.
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The quarterback situation also remains unsettled. Dylan Lonergan is out, while AJ Surace is questionable. Rutgers’ latest report also lists multiple absences along the offensive line and in the secondary, leaving both coaching staffs preparing around depleted personnel.
Nebraska did receive one encouraging indication offensively.
Starting right guard Brendan Black was not listed on the initial report after leaving the Illinois game with a lower-body injury.
Saturday offers Nebraska another chance to reach six wins before closing the regular season against Ohio State and Iowa.
With established defensive starters unavailable, that opportunity will require contributions from players who spent much of last week watching from the sideline.
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