Nebrasaka Huskies played Fresno State in their opening game of the college football season. They had to do with without kicker Sam Foltz, who tragically passed away during the summer.
Foltz died in a car crash coming home from a kicking camp with kids back in July. He was in a single car crash after his car lost control in the wet that also claimed the life of Michigan State punter Mike Sadler , and the LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye who was in the car with him survived with only minor injuries.
In their first game since his passing, Nebrasaka gave an emotional tribute to their fallen teammate by lining up for their first kick leaving the space where he would have been empty:
We'll always remember #SF27.
Well done, @HuskerFBNation & HUskers fans.
Great class, @FresnoStateFB. https://t.co/moG174xLP5
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 4, 2016
According to the rules, it meant that the team would have taken a delay of game penalty and lose yards:
We had to take a delay of game, weren't able to get all 11 guys out to punt in time.
Missing one of them. pic.twitter.com/o3mzXQZqlO— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) September 4, 2016
But acknowledging the moment, Fresno State declined the penalty and were applauding the tribute and memory of Foltz.
The Bulldogs unite tonight with @HuskerFBNation in the remembrance of Sam Foltz w/ SF helmet stickers. pic.twitter.com/9u6if9KDbo
— Fresno State Football 🧸 (@FresnoStateFB) September 3, 2016
We were proud of our Bulldogs tonight for honoring #Nebraska's fallen player. Our hearts go out to #HuskerNation. pic.twitter.com/FVW1WOpG6Y
— Fresno State (@Fresno_State) September 4, 2016
We play for each other.
We play for Foltz.
Family. pic.twitter.com/W41M2k4NMU— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) September 4, 2016
Was someone chopping onions in here?
Locker room set up and ready to go. #Huskers #gbr #SF27 pic.twitter.com/ZTUuNJx8R5
— Nebraska Equipment (@NUequipment) September 3, 2016
