Iowa Football vs Nebraska Cornhuskers: Four Players to Watch

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Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

WR, Jordan Westerkamp

2016 Stats: 34 Receptions, 476 Receiving Yards, 5 TDs

Jordan Westerkamp has missed a game, been held to one reception twice and his numbers have been hurt by injuries to Tommy Armstrong Jr. Nonetheless, Westerkamp is still one of the better receivers in the conference and easily Nebraska’s top target. He comfortably leads the team in all three major receiving categories this season.

Plus, last week, Westerkamp caught a season-high eight passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. It’s the second straight week he’s eclipsed five receptions after failing to reach that feat in his prior seven games. Not to mention his 85 receiving yards is his most since week two against Wyoming and he scored his first touchdown since week three against Oregon.

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Simply put, Westerkamp seems to be back on track after a rough couple of weeks. It’s even more surprising, but also telling of how good of a receiver he is, that Westerkamp put up good numbers in the past two weeks despite an injured Armstrong and backup quarterback Ryker Fyfe under center.

This week, though, Westerkamp will line up against Desmond King and a secondary that is playing very well. Iowa has only allowed a combined 240 passing yards in their past two games. Iowa has a chance to take Westerkamp out of the game, but it’s easier said than done.

If Iowa plays like last week, Westerkamp won’t have a chance downfield but might be able to turn into a possession wide receiver. As long as Iowa can stop the deep ball, and Westerkamp from breaking a long gain, they’ll be able to contain the pass game to a certain extent.

Jordan Westerkamp doesn’t have huge numbers, but look for Fyfe or Armstrong to target him a lot if the run game stalls.

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