JD Spielman on Saturday was Tanner Lee’s favorite target on third down.
Nebraska head coach Mike Riley talked recently about the slot back’s traditional third-down role in his offense, and Spielman on Saturday was up to the task.
Five of his game-best six catches came on third down, and he converted four (totaling 65 yards) first downs. He likely would have been 5-of-5 if he could have more effectively used right guard Tanner Farmer to avoid linebacker Ryan Connelly on a first-quarter screen.
“He’s going to get better and better as he understands how to play in the slot, and the things he can do in the slot,” Riley said Saturday.