The season-long tribute to Nebraska punter Sam Foltz has been one of the most emotional stories in college football. It has been equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Inevitably, though, Nebraska's senior day was going to be the hardest of all.
Foltz should have been with his teammates on Saturday celebrating his final home game, but he was tragically killed in a car accident over the summer. The accident also claimed the life of former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler, while LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye survived with minor injuries.
Prior to Saturday's kickoff against Maryland, Nebraska played this tribute to Foltz on the stadium's video board.
There's one senior who couldn't be here today, even though we know he's watching out for us.#ForeverTwoSevenpic.twitter.com/gKvwpSwazH
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) November 19, 2016
Additionally, each senior laid a set of flowers on the field's 27-yard line to honor their teammate. Huskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong, who is out due to a reported hamstring injury, was among those to pay his respects to Foltz during the ceremony. Gerald and Jill Foltz, Sam's parents, were in attendance for the ceremony.
Emotional moment as Armstrong laid flowers in Sam Foltz's honor. #SF27pic.twitter.com/LTJV9jDKIe
— Erin Sorensen (@erinsorensen) November 19, 2016
It's been a regular occurrence for Nebraska's opponents to honor Foltz as well. Maryland was no exception with a No. 27 Terps jersey.
Maryland's jersey in honor of Sam Foltz. #SF27pic.twitter.com/dwqJu8gVpd
— Erin Sorensen (@erinsorensen) November 19, 2016