NEBRASKA CITY – Former Nebraska running back Damon Benning told his Big Red Buzz audience about what third-string quarterback Matt Turman meant to the national championship Huskers in 1994 and what freshman TJ Lateef can expect from his teammates in the UCLA game on Saturday night.

He asked the audience at Valentino's in Nebraska City if fan toxicity is rising since Turman spelled the injured Tommie Frazier and Brooke Berringer against Kansas State. The situation today is different, he said --  mentioning Nebraska’s national championship defense -- but he expects teammates to rally just the same.

Benning said he senses a tangible “hunker down, us vs. them” feel among the Huskers. He credits Lateef.

Benning: “He’s super well liked, that’s number one.  ... When you have a player that is that well liked, it’s amazing what it does to the room when they have an opportunity to flourish. His personality lends itself to guys rallying.”

Benning described Lateef as ultra smart.

Benning: “For as much as a guy can be ready playing behind a five-star quarterback, Lateef is as sharp as it gets.”

He added that Lateef seems comfortable traveling back to California for his first career start.

Benning: “Those are the little X factors. They’ll play well.”

He said a quarterback who is a threat to run can cost linebackers a second while they make sure there is a handoff to the running back. That second, he said, is valuable time for the offense.

He said it’s a second of time that tight end Luke Lindenmeyer and slot receiver Jacory Barney can use in the intermediate passing game.

Benning: “This game, in my opinion, is not a wide receivers’ game. It’s a slot, tight-end game.”

Game forecast:

NU 23

UCLA 20