Kenneth Williams opened the second half of the Northwestern game by taking the their kickoff on the 5-yard line. From there, he sensed that the Wildcats had deployed too many forces to that side of the field
and immediately turned on the jets to try and make the corner on the opposite side of the field. The next thing we knew, he had made the west sideline and was pulling away from the crowd. He eluded a couple of diving ankle tackles, and finished the 95-yard return giving the Huskers a 14-6 lead and himself the Big 10 Special Teams Player of the Week award.
Yes, you read correctly above below the title – he did have to share it. But damned if I’m going to throw the “Co-” on there because Rutger’s kicker managed not to putz up a couple of late chip shots.
The kickoff return for a touchdown was Williams’ second of at least 85 yards in the past three games, and marked Nebraska’s first for a touchdown since 2017. Williams added a 29-yarder for 124 total yards at a clip of 62.0 yards per.
The Big 10 email informing us of Williams’ helpfully added the following factoid – “Last Nebraska Special Teams Players of the Week: Dylan Raiola (Sept. 2, 2024)” – an especially amazing honor considering he has likely never appeared on special teams. Brian Buschini however did receive the award last season in a memorable win against Rutgers.
Congratulations to Kenneth and now feels like a good time to enjoy his story – or enjoy it again if you haven’t already:
And enjoy the return again with some great views of the blocking setting him up.
