Nebraska football news: John Hohl will kick against Purdue, more

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule revealed on Wednesday’s weekly radio show that John Hohl will handle the kicking duties for the Huskers this week at Purdue.

Tristan Alvano, the No. 1 kicker for Nebraska football, missed last week’s game due to injury. He’s been banged up since the start of fall camp but was able to play in the first three games of the season.

Alvano wasn’t perfect. He missed a 31-yard attempt against Colorado but hit two field goals against Northern Iowa. Hohl went 1-for-2 against Illinois but missed a critical 39-yarder to give the Huskers the lead with about three minutes left.

Rhule said Nebraska football would be without Alvano “the next few weeks,” so the job is Hohl’s now.

“Really proud of the way that John has rebounded this week,” Rhule said. “He kicked the ball really well today. He has the ability. Sometimes you see great players who just aren’t where they are going to be yet. They’re on the journey to becoming a great player. Everyone feels like John has a lot of talent and has a really big leg. Went through what he went through the other night and he’s bounced back this week and I think that’s as important as anything.”

Rhule “proud” of the effort from Gunnar Gottula

Turner Corcoran will be out with a “significant” injury but Gunnar Gottula a redshirt freshman, stepped in and played 48 snaps against Illinois. It wasn’t perfect as he allowed two pressures and a sack.

However, Rhule praised his effort and it feels like Gottula will be the starting left tackle for Nebraska football on Saturday against Purdue.

“Gunnar got in the game and the moment wasn’t too big,” Rhule said. “One thing Illinois had was excellent edge rushers. He looked like he belonged. Now that you’ve played real significant, meaningful minutes, you have a chance to come back in this week and look at the way you played and what you need to work on. You’re getting all of the reps in practice, not some of the reps.”

Purdue isn’t known for having a fierce pass rush but Gottula will get tested and how he holds up will be a key question to monitor on Saturday. Rhule did say that Ben Scott, Tyler Knack, and Micah Mazzccua were all options at left tackle for the Huskers if needed.

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