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Anna Mostek /Tribune
Nebraska's Niles Paul (left) and Zac Lee celebrate during the Huskers' win over Arkansas State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln
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Vince Kuppig
vkuppig@hastingstribune.com
LINCOLN — "Almost flawless."
That's how Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson described quarterback Zac Lee's play Saturday afternoon against Arkansas State.
"He's so dog-gone efficient," NU offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said of the first-year starter. "He is so poised. He doesn't get rattled about anything. He's such a good student. He's got a great ball. He can run it. He can throw it. He can do anything. He's an exceptional player."
Lee often was flawless in the Huskers' 38-9 win, completing 27 of 35 passes for 340 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
"It was a good day. I ended up with some decent numbers," Lee said matter-of-factly.
Lee, in just his second start as a Husker, often made it look easy often Saturday.
There was the 43-yard pass down the sideline on the first drive of the game to Curenski Gilleylen that couldn't have been placed better. Then there was the perfectly thrown 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike McNeil in the corner of the end zone for Nebraska's second score of the game.
"That's what I expect out of him because I see it every day," Watson said. "I've always said he's an arm talent."
Lee could do little wrong Saturday.
Even when he did, it didn't turn out so bad.
"He had a rare moment where he threw a scramble-throw across his body, which is a 'never' rule," Watson said. "But there's not a whole lot I can say about it because he made a great play. He's that kind of kid. I have really grown my trust in him."
Now Lee will get a new test, a new experience when the Huskers go on the road to take on Virginia Tech next weekend.
It'll be Lee's first start on the road, and it comes against a team that has won 31 straight non-conference home games.
"I think that's the fun of college football," Lee said. "You get to play in places like Blacksburg. It's going to be a great atmosphere. Hopefully we play well. The team is really looking forward to the opportunity, especially after what happened last year."
Watson has no doubt Lee will be ready.
"This dude is a cool customer, man," NU's offensive coordinator said. "He's a ballplayer. None of that stuff is going to bother him. He's a cool dude. He's been raised by a professional football player who is his father. He gets it. He understands it. He's been around it his whole life. It'll be nothing big for him."
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