Alamo Bowl notebook, 12/25: Michigan wideout in NU’s thoughts
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Mere mention of Michigan wide receiver Jason Avant draws an “ooh” from Nebraska coach Bill Callahan.
Callahan and his players are evidently impressed with the 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior from Chicago.
“He’s strong and lean,” Callahan said. “He can really pluck the ball out of flight.”
Michigan players voted Avant as the team’s most valuable player this season after he recorded a team-leading 74 receptions for 936 yards and eight touchdowns. The 7-4 Wolverines’ second-leading receiver, senior wide receiver Steve Breaston, had 25 catches.
There’s no question Avant is Michigan quarterback Chad Henne’s go-to receiver. Indeed, Avant has provided his team with a new set of downs (or a touchdown) on 51 of his receptions, including 14 plays on third or fourth down.
Avant enters Wednesday’s Alamo Bowl tied with Anthony Carter (1979-82) for third place on the school’s career receptions list.
“He’s not afraid to go across the middle, get up, make a catch and take a hit,” said Nebraska linebacker Adam Ickes.
STALLED: Avant has thrived in part because Michigan’s ground game has stalled somewhat this season as sophomore tailback Mike Hart battled injuries. In a 25-21 loss to rival Ohio State in the season finale, the Wolverines managed only 32 yards on 24 carries with Hart nursing a high ankle sprain that continues to slow him. “I think we all understand that a running game allows you to control the game,” Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said. “I look at the last two years — two years ago, (behind) Chris Perry, we had a great running game and were able to win a (Big Ten) championship. And the same thing happened a year ago when Mike Hart had such a great year. But we were able to run the football, and that allows you to protect your defense. It allows you to do a lot of things that help you win.” Hart is expected to play Wednesday, though it’s unclear whether he’ll be healthy enough to start the game.
GADGET WORK: Another sunny day, another upbeat practice for Nebraska (7-4). “It was a good practice,” Callahan said Sunday following his team’s second workout since arriving here Friday. “We worked on our gadgets and tricks. A bowl game affords you that opportunity with the extra time to get a few more plays in. It was great to get some execution on some of the gadgetry we’re going to try to utilize in this game.” Added fullback Dane Todd: “We’ve had a whole month to put in some odd plays, some new shifts and formations.” Of course, Michigan also may have some tricks up its sleeve. “You always have to prepare for the unexpected,” Callahan said. “I think it’s good to review the gadgets and tricks you might see. It’s good to look over the discipline of your defense when you defend those types of plays.”
INJURY UPDATE: Husker tight end Josh Mueller, sidelined since early last week with a knee injury, is expected to return to practice today and be ready for Wednesday’s contest, Callahan said. Mueller was among a handful of NU players who sat out Sunday with what Callahan described as minor injuries. Most prominent on the list were starting center Kurt Mann, backup
I-back Cody Glenn and reserve defensive end Kevin Luhrs. “They’re kind of bumped up and banged up,” the coach said. “We just want to get them freshened up for the game. It’s normal operating procedure as far as I’m concerned.” With game day nearing, Callahan said, the Huskers have tapered the amount of hitting in practice.
FULL SCHEDULE: Nebraska has a full schedule today, starting at 7:30 a.m. with a Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast. After practicing from noon-2 p.m., Husker coordinators Jay Norvell and Kevin Cosgrove and a few selected players will be on hand for a press conference. A pep rally and a team party are scheduled for tonight.
QUOTABLE: Todd, on NU’s bowl preparation: “I feel we’re working hard. This is a bowl trip, and we’re here to work. At the same time, we’re here to have fun, too. We’ve been having fun, but we’ve been getting a lot of good work done on the practice field, and we’re going to show that in the game.”
ETC.: Nebraska has installed a “few” new blitzes for the Alamo Bowl, Ickes said. ... Husker coaches, players and support personnel enjoyed a Christmas dinner Sunday night.
— Steven M. Sipple
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