After weeks of inadequate play on the offensive side of the ball, Matt Rhule and the Huskers have brought in a new set of eyes in former longtime head coach Dana Holgorsen.
Holgorsen is introduced to the Nebraska program as an offensive consultant, but the true nature of his role on the coaching staff is unknown. The vast majority of scrutiny during this season has been directed toward offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield and his play calling. The question fans have is whether or not Holgorsen will have a hand in that department for the remaining three games of the season.
If Holgorsen will in fact have a voice in terms of what plays are being called, the timing of his hire is a convenient one. Nebraska is on a bye this weekend before they will head to the west coast to face off with the USC Trojans. An extra week for Holgorsen to get familiar with the offense will be extremely beneficial if there are going to be tweaks made to the playbook. With that being said, even two weeks is a tall order to make significant changes to a group that is already nine games into the season.
At West Virginia and Houston, Holgorsen was known for his air raid style offense, his teams consistently putting up huge numbers through the air. With a 5 star quarterback in Dylan Raiola, it is apparent why this opportunity was appealing to a coach who prides themselves in the passing game. Clearly, there is a need to improve in that category, and Matt Rhule is, at the very least, trying to do just that.
In years past, it has seemed apparent that there was a lack of skill players on the offensive side of the ball. Whether that was due to injuries or a lack of depth in general, it was always an easy excuse to make for the poor performances. This team feels different. The Huskers went out and brought in two proven transfers at wide receiver, Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor. They returned Thomas Fidone, a highly coveted tight end recruit, and they also added an electric playmaker in Jacorey Barney Jr. The talent is there. It’s been put on display and advertised. Can Holgorsen unlock something that has been barring the Huskers from offensive success?
It’s doubtful that all of the problems can be fixed in just a few short weeks, but it will be telling if Nebraska comes out against USC slinging the rock and putting up consistent points onto the board. If that happens, there will be a whole new set of questions for the direction of where this offense should head in the future.
