John Bullock: 'Strong Chemistry' Allows Nebraska's Blackshirts to Thrive

Senior linebacker John Bullock joined "Sports Nightly" on Wednesday, speaking on the Blackshirts' performance against Colorado and how the Nebraska football defense's bond has led to their early-season success.

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The Nebraska football defense took a workmanlike approach in preparation for the Colorado matchup in Week Two. For senior linebacker John Bullock, it was just another week in the office.

"I approached it just like any other game," Bullock said. "Go in there and do my job. If an opportunity comes to make a play, make a play. That's what I did and I think that's what our whole defense had the mindset of."

The Creighton Prep grad and Omaha native spoke to the Huskers Radio Network's Jessica Coody during Wednesday's episode of "Sports Nightly." Bullock had a career day against CU on Saturday, recording five tackles, with two tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws away the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The Huskers' defense was solid throughout the four quarters against the Buffaloes, but especially stood tall during the first half against the talented Colorado attack, pitching a shutout in the opening 30 minutes. Bullock was satisfied with the Blackshirts' ability to shut down their opponent quickly.

"It was huge. We knew their offense was explosive and they have big time players that make plays. To get a three-and-out and get off the field right away and have that possession was huge for us," Bullock said.

Nebraska elected to defer to the second half after winning the opening coin toss against the Buffs, allowing the defense to set the tone at the start of the contest. Defensive tackle Ty Robinson deflected a pass and then created a sack in the first three plays.

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule reacts after a call during the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Robinson was not the only senior to provide a big energy play early, as Bullock stepped into a passing lane to allow Tommi Hill to nab a game-changing pick-six in the first quarter.

"We were in quarters, I saw 2 (quarterback Shedeur Sanders) sit, then he (Travis Hunter) went underneath. I tried to roll with it. He took his eyes off, and threw it Tommi's way. He made a play," Bullock said. "It was great to get a defensive touchdown."

The senior Blackshirt added that the defense is gelling early and working together well.

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) returns the opening kickoff against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

"We are very connected. We have a strong chemistry with each other. Just being able to trust each other out there let's us play with even more confidence. Knowing that Nash (Hutmacher), Ty (Robinson), Jimari (Butler), MJ (Sherman) are going to do their job, helps us in the backend... We all trust in each other," Bullock said.

Bullock continued by praising the systems created by coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Tony White, saying that the team has "bought into the process." He added that the mentality of "how you do anything is how you do everything" is engrained into the team. The linebacker continued that his confidence and leadership has grown in Year Two under the new regime.

"This year I'm playing with more confidence. I have a year under my belt starting on defense... having that confidence and trust in myself is the biggest thing I learned from last year. I just had to trust myself to make the big plays," Bullock said.

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Maverick Noonan (22) and defensive back Taveon Thompson (39) walk off the field surrounded by fans after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The senior added that it was "good to see" the passionate crowd at Memorial Stadium against CU, and continued that he was happy to see more of his teammates making plays calling it an "amazing atmosphere."

Bullock wrapped his interview by saying the Blackshirts have taken it upon themselves to slow down opponents' running attacks.

"We take a lot of pride in that," Bullock said. "How physical we play; Coach White makes sure to enfore that upon us. When you have guys like Ty and Nash clogging up the middle every play, it makes the backend guys' (jobs) easier."

Bullock has seven total tackles on the season after two games and aims to slow down one of the better running attacks in the FCS when the Huskers play Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Listen to Bullock's full comments from "Sports Nightly" below.

MORE: Carriker Chronicles: UNI vs. Nebraska Football Prediction and John Bullock Interview

MORE: Nebraska Football's Bowl Projections Ahead of Week 3

MORE: Nebraska Football Returning to Peacock for Purdue Game

MORE: Matt Rhule Lauds Nebraska's Week of Preparation for Northern Iowa

MORE: Know Nebraska's Foe: Northern Iowa Panthers

---

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, following HuskerMax on X, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.