Scott Frost full press conference after win over Buffalo
For a few seconds, Luke Reimer was back in high school.
There he was, ball in his hands, blasting his way toward the north end zone at Memorial Stadium as the crowd and his teammates tried to push him over the goal line.
"That’s the stuff we’ve seen from Luke from his first day here," Nebraska coach Scott Frost said. "Kid from Northwest 12th Street in Lincoln that lived eight houses from my parents. We were lucky enough to get him to walk on, and about the second day, we figured we should have scholarshipped him. And he’s going to make a lot of plays around here."
Nebraska led Buffalo just 14-3 at that point early in the fourth quarter, when the former Lincoln North Star Navigator got his hand on a pass from the Bulls' Kyle Vantrease, knocked the ball in the air, brought it down and returned it to the Buffalo 1-yard line to finally give the Huskers some breathing room in what turned into a 28-3 win.
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"I just thought, 'Score,'" Reimer said of his play. "So, kind of mad I didn't get in, but we got the touchdown on the next play. So can't be too mad about that."
Luke Reimer's fourth-quarter interception set up a touchdown for Nebraska.
Reimer didn't have much to be mad about Saturday. He finished with a career-high 16 tackles, and, in addition to his near pick six, he sniffed out a Buffalo swing pass on a fourth-down play in the first half and came from inside the hash marks to make the stop short of the sticks.
"You've got to play the call, and that's what I did," Reimer said. "Then you've just got to go attack and be violent."
In a twist of fate, Reimer's best game as a Husker came against a Buffalo program that was the only FBS school to offer him a scholarship out of high school.
That didn't necessarily make the game any more special for Reimer, who has earned a reputation as a hard worker since walking on at NU and getting on the field as a true freshman in 2019.
The play was still plenty fun for his buddies in Nebraska's linebacker corps.
Nick Henrich said he had the running back on the play, and saw Reimer react.
"So then I was hauling, trying to block the tight end, and then I looked around and was like, 'Oh, he's about to score,'" Henrich said. "Apparently he was 1 yard short. I don't know. I'm a little biased, but I think he got in.
"But Luke's a dog, so it was good to see."
Reimer led the way for a Nebraska linebacking crew that finished the day with the top four tackling performances on defense with Henrich finishing with eight, JoJo Domann with five, and Caleb Tannor with four.
"We were flying around," Domann said. "Hat off to Luke Reimer. Dude played his (butt) off. Nick Henrich had an awesome game. Those guys watch so much film. So it’s going to show up on game day. So I’m just glad that we did come up in those big time plays when we needed it the most."
Domann said the defense was on the sideline before Reimer's pick talking about needing a turnover.
"That's the one thing we haven't gotten," Domann said. "We need that momentum."
Shortly thereafter, Domann was in man coverage before looking over to see Reimer tipping the ball into the air and taking off toward the end zone.
"That's the beauty of it. You go as hard as you can for X amount of plays, and you're going to catch a break," Domann said. "You're going to catch them slipping. You're going to impose your will on them to a degree where you're making a game-changing play, and that's what happened on that play."
Reimer maybe didn't have this kind of game in mind when he first walked on. But as his teammate said, sometimes hard work pays off.
"Not at all. Not at all," Reimer said. "I don't know what I was expecting when I walked on here. I just got in here and got to work. It's paid off so far."
Photos: Take in all of the sights from Memorial Stadium, where Nebraska hosts Buffalo

The Stars and Stripes are on the field during the national anthem on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Flags are seen at half-staff at the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Ryne Olson (left) and Charlie Norris slide down next to the steps at Morrill Hall before Nebraska hosted Buffalo in a football game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost follows the team off the buses for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska kicker Connor Culp (33) signals good, but it wasn't as he missed his third field goal of the game against Buffalo in the closing seconds on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska linebacker Luke Reimer (28) celebrates his interception in the fourth quarter against Buffalo on Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

David Carter of Ashford, Ala. (formerly of Omaha) grabs the front leg of Archie the mammoth elephant before Nebraska hosted Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. "One daughter went to Auburn, another daughter went to Alabama and I went to Troy, but I'm Nebraska through and through," Carter said.

Nebraska state patrolman Ethan Schroeder has a football toss with the Husker student section prior to the Nebraska-Buffalo game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Cornhusker Marching Band twirler Steffany Lien performs with the band as they await the arrival of the team before Nebraska played Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Decorated in all things Huskers, Doug Christie's 1951 Chevy make an appearance in the tailgate area before Nebraska hosted Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska fan Tammy Phelps of Omaha decked out in American colors before the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Eric Tresemer throws the ball to Brayden Moore (not pictured) in front of flags at half-staff before the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

A general view of the stadium with flags at half-staff in remembrance of 9/11 before the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Becket Mroczek (right) high-fives Marcrae Maschika (left) after sinking a toss during inflatable passing skills test before a Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Lincoln Arneal (right) and his father Steve walk towards the stadium before the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The Stars and Stripes are on the field during the national anthem on Saturday before Nebraska hosts Buffalo at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) scores on a 68-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin gets into the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter on Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) scores on a second-quarter reception against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska linebacker Luke Reimer (28) celebrates a stop against Buffalo with Caleb Tannor (2) in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) rushes the ball down to the Buffalo 2-yard line to help set up the Huskers' first touchdown in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Adrian Martinez runs for yardage against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez rolls over Buffalo's Kadofi Wright after a long run down to the 2-yard line in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska tight end Nate Boerkircher (right) gets flipped by Buffalo's Kadofi Wright in the first half on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive lineman Damion Daniels (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss in the second quarter against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Damian Jackson (38) carries the American flag onto the field before the Huskers' game against Buffalo last September at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure scores a touchdown against Buffalo in the second quarter Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska tight end Austin Allen makes a catch while defended by Buffalo linebacker Tim Terry in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska tight end Austin Allen is tackled by Buffalo linebacker Tim Terry in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska receiver Samori Toure runs in for a touchdown reception against Buffalo in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Adrian Martinez takes off on a long run in the second quarter while pursued by Buffalo's Kadofi Wright on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Luke Reimer (28) celebrates a tackle against Buffalo with teammates Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Caleb Tannor (2) in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Samori Toure takes off on a touchdown reception against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is pressured by Buffalo linebacker James Patterson (8) and defensive end Max Michel (6) in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Gabe Ervin celebrates his second-quarter touchdown against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Damion Daniels (93) enjoys a second-quarter tackle against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease fumbles the snap before recovering it and throwing an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium.

A balloon floats in the stadium after a Nebraska touchdown on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Deontre Thomas (90) celebrates a Buffalo false-start penalty in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium.

Jets fly over Memorial Stadium before the game against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Nebraska's William Przystup takes the snap to place it for a kick attempt on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Quinton Newsome gets water during a timeout against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Connor Culp attempts a field goal against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin (22) celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown with teammates Brant Banks (left), Matt Sichterman and Teddy Prochazka (right) on Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease is hit by Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich as he releases the ball in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (left) runs for a touchdown in the second half while Buffalo safety Marcus Fuqua pursues him on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is hit by Buffalo's C. J. Bazile (53) as he throws in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska inside linebacker Luke Reimer runs with the ball after an interception against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska inside linebacker Luke Reimer runs down the sideline after intercepting a pass against Buffalo on on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Will Nixon (12) rushes to the end zone, but the touchdown was negated due to what officials deemed an illegal forward pass against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) questions the call of an illegal forward pass, which negated an NU touchdown in the fourth quarter against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich pressures Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease in the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost looks on from the sideline during the second half against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) catches a pass from Adrian Martinez before scoring in the fourth quarter against Buffalo's Marcus Fuqua on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (right) celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown with teammate Chancellor Brewington against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) signals "two" before scoring his second touchdown in the fourth quarter against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska kicker Connor Culp (center) with punter William Przystup after Culp missed a field goal in the second half against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska outside linebacker JoJo Domann (center) celebrates with John Bullock (35), who stopped a Buffalo punt at 2-yard line in the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (center) carries the ball as he is tackled by Buffalo cornerback Logic Hudgens (from left), safety Marcus Fuqua and safety Cory Gross Jr. in the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson tackles Buffalo running back Kevin Marks Jr. in the second half Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Buffalo running back Kevin Marks Jr. carries the ball as Nebraska defensive lineman Damion Daniels moves forward without a helmet in the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) embarks on a 71-yard run in the second quarter next to Buffalo linebacker Kadofi Wright on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) stiff-arms Buffalo defensive tackle George Wolo during the second half Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska running back Gabe Ervin (22) celebrates after a first-down run against Buffalo in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost talks with UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green after the Huskers defeated Buffalo 28-3 on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez commands the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez runs for yardage in the first half against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska's Myles Farmer (4) and JoJo Domann (bottom) combine on a third-quarter tackle of Buffalo receiver Jovany Ruiz-Navarro (87) on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/11/2021 - Nebraska linebacker Caleb Tannor (2) went down injured after a third-quarter play against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/11/2021 - Nebraska linebacker Caleb Tannor (2) pressures the throw of Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease (7) in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Nebraska's Chris Hickman runs after a pass reception against Buffalo's E. J. Brown (7) in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost questions an illegal forward pass penalty that was called against the Huskers late in the game against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost greets his Buffalo counterpart Maurice Linguist after the Huskers' 28-3 win Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska running back Sevion Morrison (left) and linebacker Nick Henrich enjoy the Huskers' 28-3 victory over Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska linebacker Garrett Snodgrass pushes Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease to the sidelines during the second half Saturday, at Memorial Stadium.

Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease (7) is hit by Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich (top) as he releases the ball in the fourth quarter Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska linebacker Luke Reimer (28) celebrates his fourth-quarter interception against Buffalo as teammate Nick Henrichs looks on Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Unlike fans at Memorial Stadium, Nebraska football players get some shade by the sidelines during the game against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11.

F-16 pilots and brothers Bobby (left) and Tony Sullivan are honored during the Nebraska game against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Stadium. Tony Sullivan is a former Husker football player.

Carrie Herrera (center), wife of slain Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera, stands alongside her family, including her son, LPD Officer Carlos Herrera, as they are honored during the game between Nebraska and Buffalo at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Carrie Herrera (center), wife of slain Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera, stand alongside her family, including her son, LPD Officer Carlos Herrera, as they are honored during the game between Nebraska and Buffalo at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Military planes fly over Memorial Stadium before the Nebraska game against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Sichterman (70) hugs running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) after his fourth-quarter touchdown against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) laterals the ball to running back Markese Stepp (not shown) in the second quarter against Buffalo on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/11/2021 - Nebraska linebacker Pheldarius Payne runs into Buffalo quarterback Kyle Vantrease after he through the ball in the first half on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/11/2021 - Nebraska kicker Connor Culp (33) watches as his third field goal misses in the closing seconds of the game as holder William Przystup looks on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

LINCOLN, NEB. - 09/11/2021 - Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) catches a pass against Buffalo as Husker head coach Scott Frost (right) looks on in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) rushes past Buffalo's James Patterson (8) in the first half on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska line backer Luke Reimer (28) celebrates his fourth-quarter interception against Buffalo as teammate Nick Henrich looks on Sept. 11, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) reaches out for a Adrian Martinez pass as he's defended by Buffalo's Marcus Fuqua in the third quarter on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.