MINNEAPOLIS -- Top Nebraska performers on Saturday in the Huskers’ 34-23 loss at Minnesota:
RB Ameer Adbullah: Seemingly, he makes an every-week appearance here. As teammates struggled mightily, the junior continued to build his case as one of the best skill players in the Big Ten, rushing 19 times for 165 yards. Abdullah left with an apparent ankle injury but returned to run tough, even leaping cornerback Martez Shabazz for a fourth-quarter gain of 22 yards that set up the Huskers’ final score.
PK Pat Smith: A first-year Husker, the senior, who transferred from Western Illinois, made his biggest contribution yet by nailing three field goals of 45, 42 and 37 yards. His accurate leg helped keep Nebraska in striking range until the final minute. Smith also returned consistency to an area in which the Huskers have struggled this year by missing three extra points. The 45-yarder missed tying his career long by one yard.
TE Sam Cotton: The redshirt freshman, brother of offensive guard Jake and son of tight ends coach Barney, did the family proud with his first career touchdown catch and third reception. Cotton caught the 3-yard pass from Taylor Martinez late in the third quarter to cut Minnesota’s lead to 27-20. Cotton was uncovered, but he executed the play well -- more than can be said for many of the receivers, who appeared generally out of sync with Martinez.
