Nebraska’s starting quarterback, TJ Lateef, has been cleared to play in the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl against Utah on December 31, 2023. After recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the regular season, Lateef participated fully in practice, providing a significant boost to the Cornhuskers’ offense as they prepare for this crucial matchup at Allegiant Stadium.
Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed Lateef’s readiness following a practice session at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. The team implemented a careful practice schedule over the past month, initially limiting Lateef’s participation before ramping up to a full workload this week. “He had a reps cap on him yesterday, but took every rep today,” Rhule stated. “He looks fast, like he can run the football.”
Lateef, who stepped in as starting quarterback after Dylan Raiola suffered a broken leg against USC, has made significant contributions during his freshman season. In three regular season starts, he passed for 722 yards and threw for four touchdowns, while also rushing for 98 yards and three scores. His ability to scramble was hindered by his injury during the first half of a loss to Iowa on Black Friday, leading to concerns about his availability for the bowl game.
With Lateef back on the field, Rhule expressed confidence in his quarterback’s mental growth during his time on the sidelines. “He learned from that and looks good out there,” he noted, expressing excitement for Lateef’s return to action.
In addition to Lateef’s return, Rhule addressed concerns regarding offensive lineman Tyler Knaak, who suffered a broken hand in practice before arriving in Las Vegas. Despite the injury, Knaak is expected to start at right guard against Utah. The former Utah player was seen with a cast on his left hand but is determined to contribute to the team.
Knaak’s promotion to the starting lineup comes as he replaces Rocco Spindler, who is sidelined due to a hand injury that required surgery. Knaak has spent three years with Nebraska after transferring from Utah and has participated in 29 games, primarily in backup and special teams roles.
As the Cornhuskers gear up for their bowl game, the return of Lateef alongside Knaak’s resilience offers a renewed sense of optimism. The team’s performance in the Las Vegas Bowl will be pivotal, not only for the season’s conclusion but also for building momentum heading into the next year. With Lateef at the helm, Nebraska aims to secure a victory against a formidable Utah squad, setting the stage for an exciting New Year’s Eve showdown.
