What was Frank Solich’s record when he was fired? Better yet, how many losing seasons did Bo Pelini have? There were several Husker fans who weren’t happy with either firing. On the other hand, there weren’t any lynchings or poor attendance numbers after they occurred. But as the old saying goes, ‘be careful what you wish for’. And in this case Husker fans, maybe be careful what you are happy with.
I’m one of the happy fans. Am I disappointed with the Husker season? Yes. But am I happy with finally finishing with a winning record and a bowl game? Absolutely. The string needed to be broken. So, I’ll give Matt Rhule a Mulligan. But this is the only time you are going to catch me being happy with a 7-6 record. Sorry, but my expectations are higher. Rhule and this team must do better in 2025.
So, let’s look at 2024. What can we take away from a 7-6 season and where can we hope for improvement.
Quarterback Play
With the addition of 5-star Dylan Raiola improvement was expected. What wasn’t necessarily expected was Raiola starting all 13 games for Nebraska. Raiola did get dinged up during the season, but none of his injuries prevented him from starting or took him out longer than a series. Matt Rhule must be pleased with that fact, as he commented several times in the fall that it would take multiple quarterbacks to get through the season.
Raiola set a new freshman passing record, throwing for 2,819 yards. He had a 67.1% completion rate and threw for 13 TD’s and 11 interceptions. Nebraska allowed 28 sacks and finished with 228.4 yards net passing per game. And finished ranked 103rd of 134 in points scored per game with 23.5
In reviewing last season’s passing stats, Nebraska started three different quarterbacks in Sims, Haarberg, and Purdy. None of the three starters achieved a 60% completion rate. Combined they threw for 10 TD’s, 16 interceptions and were sacked 30 times. Nebraska finished with 135.9 yards net passing per game. They also finished ranked 123rd of 133 in points scored per game with 18.0
While there is still plenty of room for improvement offensively, the addition of Dylan Raiola brought noticeable improvement in quarterback play.
Flat Line Defense
Nebraska fans were elated with the Blackshirts and Tony White during the 2023 season as they often kept Nebraska in games. However, this season fans expected another step forward. And while the defense was good, they weren’t the same and often faltered at getting off the field on 3rd down. Rhule also mentioned tackling not being as good and guys not flying to the ball and gang tackling. Stats show that to be true. Rhule also stated before the season that his double-digit winning teams at Temple and Baylor recorded 40 sacks. His 2023 Nebraska team had 32, and the 2024 team 30. The 2023 team had 9 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries. The 2024 team had 11 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries. Those numbers all need to improve. As far as points allowed, the 2023 defense ranked 13th of 133 teams with 18.0 points per game allowed. The 2024 defense ranked 17th of 134 teams with 19.5 points per game allowed. One could say the defense flat lined over the last two seasons. Like most fans, Matt Rhule expected far more improvement from this veteran team. It seems to me Tony White leaving for a defensive coordinator job rather than a head coaching job tells you all you need to know.
Coaching Staff Changes
Nebraska started the season at 5-2 and like last season needed just one win to assure a bowl invitation. But after finding themselves at 5-4 Matt Rhule determined there needed to be a coaching change. Normally such a change wouldn’t be made during the season, but Rhule could see the writing on the wall, this team was headed for the same outcome as last year and finishing 5-7. Give Rhule credit for having the stones to make such a move.
Initially he brought in Phil Snow and Dana Holgorsen as fresh sets of eyes on offense and defense. But it didn’t take long for the offensive set of eyes to become the new offensive coordinator. I honestly think making Dana Holgorsen the OC right out of the gate may have been one of the best things to happen all season. While they lost their next game against USC, the body language of the players and their performance on the field was immediately noticeable. That continued against Wisconsin and Iowa and was highlighted against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The addition of Snow and Holgorsen triggered staff changes at the end of the season which many Husker fans felt were needed.
Offensively, with Dana Holgorsen as the new offensive coordinator, Marcus Satterfield lost his OC title and continues as the tight ends coach. Daikiel Shorts Jr was hired as the new wide receiver’s coach. Donavan Raiola remains as offensive line coach and E.J. Barthels remains the running backs coach. Glenn Thomas continues as the quarterback coach.
Defensively, defensive backs coach John Butler was promoted to defensive coordinator. Terry Bradden was hired as defensive line coach. Phil Simpson was hired as outside linebacker coach. Addison Williams was hired as defensive backs coach. And Rob Dvoracek continues as linebackers coach. Phil Snow was hired as associate head coach.
Another notable coaching hire was Jamar Mozee, he and Phil Simpson are sure to become two of the most valuable recruiters on the staff.
Ed Foley was let go as the special team’s coordinator. With 10 blocked kicks on the season and a lack of a return game, his firing was inevitable. The special team’s coordinator position currently remains open with names like Mike Ekeler, Bill Busch, and Sean Snyder being tossed around by fans. Whoever Rhule hires, I anticipate he will be in the same caliber of Dana Holgorsen and John Bulter.
Rhule took another step with his theory of coaching: head coaches coach coordinators, coordinators coach position coaches, and position coaches coach players. Step back and watch as Rhule becomes more of a CEO while he coaches Holgorsen, Butler, and the new special team’s coach. Meanwhile Holgorsen will coach Thomas, Shorts, Barthels, and Raiola. While Snow oversees Butler who coaches Badden, Simpson, Dvoracek, and Addison. It’s a good lineup.
So, was it a good season Husker fans? Are you happy with the results of 2024? If you are like me, you’ll take it, because it means we are headed in the right direction. But if you are also like me, you’ll never be very happy with a 7-6 record. I’ll give Rhule a Mulligan this year. But like all Mulligans, you only get one.
All stats gathered from ESPN.com
Go to Off The Cob to read the following articles from Lyle Harmon:
A Way Too Early Look at the 105-Man Roster
Dylan Raiola, From Here to Next Year
Transfer Portal Review & Needs to Round Out the 105
January Kernels
