Nebraska instantly snatched the momentum Saturday when Justin Blatchford returned a blocked punt 25 yards for a touchdown in the opening minutes during the 20-10 victory over Baylor. The redshirt freshman from Ponca, Neb., is a regular contributor on the punting unit. He set a school record for the Class C-2 program by rushing for 66 career touchdowns, but he's working as a cornerback with the Huskers.

* * *

Q: Was the decision to walk on at Nebraska a difficult one?

A: It was a no-doubter once I got the call from (assistant athletic director) Jeff Jamrog. He asked me if I wanted to walk on. That's what I wanted to do my whole life. My whole family was a huge supporter of Nebraska tradition. This is just a great opportunity for me.

Q: So take us through the touchdown Saturday. What do you remember about the play?

A: It took forever just waiting for that ball to come down. It was just a great experience. (I was) very fortunate to have the opportunity to do that, just a dream come true.

Q: Could you tell at any point that the punt had a good chance at getting blocked?

A: No, actually I got picked up right at the line. It was kind of unexpected. I just heard a thump, looked up and there the ball was. I was sitting there waiting for it for however long. ... It was crazy. I just caught it. I don't even remember what happened after that, honestly.

Q: Did you get the sense that the Baylor players didn't know where the ball was?

A: I thought I was going to get smoked when I caught it. It was surprising to me that there was no one else around.

Q: You had to tiptoe the sideline, you avoided tacklers and you dived in across the goal line at the end. Where did that come from?

A: I was a running back in high school. I did that all four years. So I guess that helped a lot.

Q: They had to review the play to make sure you stayed in bounds. Was there any question in your mind?

A: Actually, I got on the sidelines and didn't even think about getting reviewed or whatever. I thought about it. I didn't even know some of the moves that I did on the field after watching it. I was kind of scared when I heard it was getting reviewed.

Q: What kind of reaction did you get from friends and family?

A: I got so many texts. And it's just great to hear from family and friends back home, just to hear that they're watching and looking for good things coming from me. It's just great to hear that.

— Jon Nyatawa

• Jared Crick at the Tuesday press conference:



• Ndamukong Suh at the Tuesday press conference:

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