Captain Got the Glory: Roach Gets the Credit

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If you’re looking for a personal growth story on Nebraska’s Top 20 football team, look no further than Josh Mitchell, a senior cornerback from Corona, Calif.  He went from his head coach’s doghouse to become one of Nebraska’s five senior captains this fall.  Mitchell places that honor right next to his heart.  The effect has been transformational, and Monday’s press conference in Memorial Stadium showcases the evidence.

Mitchell answered questions about his 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown that switched momentum and put Nebraska on the fast track of a 41-31 win over Miami Saturday night.  But the truth is the Husker captain prefers to give credit where credit is due.  “A lot of attention on the play has been set on me because I was the one in the end zone, but Trevor Roach is the one who made the play,” Mitchell said.  “I just happened to be around the ball at the right time.  I’m really happy for him.  After the play, I told him: ‘This is your play, not mine.  You made this play!’”

Mitchell: Everyone Knew Roach Had Talent

Mitchell, the captain, got the glory, but Roach, the persevering senior, gets the credit.  “Since Roach has been here, he’s always worked hard,” Mitchell said.  “He’s one of those guys from our freshman year.  Everyone knew he had talent, but he had a couple injuries here and there that set him back.  I think it (the pivotal play) was huge for him.  He’s a great guy.”  Roach forced the fumble by stripping the ball out of Miami running back Duke Johnson’s hands.  “We were running a blitz to the right,” Roach said.  “Basically, I read it, even though it wasn’t even my gap.  I tried to make the tackle.  They had him (Johnson) wrapped up, so I just tried to reach for the ball.  I actually didn’t think I had it until I saw the ball pop out.”  At the point, Roach had a decision to make.  “I thought about diving for it,” he said.  “It’s a good thing I didn’t because J. Mitch (Mitchell) picked it up and scored.”

Mitchell Lit the Match to Change Momentum

Football has a fast lane, and fans only seem to care about recognizing the one with his feet in the end zone while the ball is in his hands.  Mitchell was the benefactor.  His name is the one in the scoring summary.  But give Mitchell bonus points for identifying the hero who lit the match for changing the game’s momentum.  “Turnovers are huge,” Roach said.  “Throughout fall camp, we’ve always emphasized if someone’s wrapped up, try to get the ball.  Initially, I was just worried about getting him down.  Other people were around him, so I tried grabbing for it.”  It worked, and Roach finally caught a break that he’s been waiting for.  Asked how surprised he was to get so much playing time, Roach admitted he wasn’t expecting to play as much as he did.  “But I remember going back to my freshman year … I wasn’t expecting to play when Will Compton got hurt.  You just have to be ready,”  said Roach, who made sure he settled his nerves and used another source of inspiration while he earned unexpected playing time.  “That was a great atmosphere.  The fans were going crazy,” he said.  “It was a great time, and I would say that was the loudest game since I’ve been here.”

Increased playing time has been a well deserved payoff for Roach’s hard work and loyalty to the program.  It doesn’t necessarily, however, guarantee more opportunities on the field.  Making arguably the biggest play in the Miami game certainly enhanced that option and let the record show that Roach practiced Monday with the first-team defense at linebacker.  Those snaps are important, but they don’t become meaningful until the Huskers see the offensive scheme they will face.  If Illinois stretches the field with multiple receivers, the linebacker roles will be different for everyone, not just Trevor Roach.  Stay tuned.  Homecoming should be interesting.

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