Quick Hitters and Don't Miss This: Huskers Have a Big Back

In the aftermath of the dismissal of former Nebraska running back Quentin Castille, fans and pundits are both left to wonder, "Who will take Castille's place in short yardage and possible goal line situations?"

Castille was the hammer and the perfect complement to the slash and dash style of Nebraska running back Roy Helu Jr.

Just ask the Clemson defense.

Castille had the size to pound defenses but also possess a burst of speed uncommon for a man of his size.

It's always nice to have that big 225 lb plus hammer to run up into the middle of defenses to pick up short yardage. But, as the coaches have said this week, it doesn't matter if the back runs over, around or through the defense.

Quite often, and any Nebraska fan has seen this happen, in short yardage, if the running back can make the first defender miss, it can often turn into a very large gain or a long touchdown run.

With Castille gone now, does Nebraska have a very large running back on its roster right now that may be utilized in short yardage situations?

Yes.

His name is Ndamukong Suh.

Remember, Suh did line up at the fullback spot on a few occasions last year. He even caught a touchdown pass as a fullback.

Does anyone think that it would be too much of a stretch that Shawn Watson may give #93 a shot at carrying the pigskin a time or two?

I don't. And I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't already given "Big Suh" a couple hand offs in practice to see if he can hang on to the ball.

If he demonstrates in practice that he can take a handoff cleanly and not fumble, I say give him a shot.

Imagine this formation on a third and short. 

Nebraska goes to a heavy set of three tight ends, lines up a fullback and Suh at running back.

Clearly, Suh isn't going to break a defender down at the line of scrimmage and scamper for a long touchdown. What he will do is run it up in there behind an offensive line that appears very strong in the middle with center Jacob Hickman, and Keith Williams, Ricky Henry and Andy Christensen sharing time at the guard spots.

I don't know of any defense that would like to see that train wreck coming at them.

I know that Helu Jr, Burkhead and others will likely get shots at the short yardage situations and goal-line, but it is just a thought.

This is something to keep an eye on this year when Nebraska needs a big conversion or touchdown in short yardage.