NFL Draft Watch: Can Ameer Abdullah Lead Nebraska to Victory?
Sep 20, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Much has been made about running backs in college football this season, but not enough has been made of perhaps the best back in all of college football right now, Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah.
Abdullah, one of the hardest working, highest character players in the country, leads the nation with 833 yards on 114 carries so far this season, and Nebraska has literally rode him to an undefeated record through five games. Abdullah’s 10 total touchdowns this season and 7.3 yard per carry average are some of the highest totals at his position in the country as well, but Abdullah has simply been unstoppable this season.
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He’s already got three games with over 200 yards rushing, and defenses just don’t know what to do to contain him. He’s only 5’9″ and under 200 pounds, but this is a player with toughness, grit, speed, elusiveness, and the leadership ability needed to take his team into a tough place to play in East Lansing and get a big win over the Spartans.
Abdullah puts up good numbers, but the great thing about him is you can see an NFL back when you throw on the games. He’s such an instinctive runner, and is a guy that can break tackles and make cuts that other backs simply cannot. He uses his size so much to his advantage. He’s not the biggest back, but you wouldn’t know it based on the way that he runs. He doesn’t often go down on first contact and his low center of gravity doesn’t allow him to go down on first contact very often.
In other words, Michigan State is going to have their hands full. Nebraska will give you a heavy dose of Abdullah and a passing game that makes big, explosive plays down the field. If any defense in the Big Ten is capable, you’d think Michigan State would be. They are tough, physical, and fast. Abdullah just might be a bit better.