The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been stuck in an offensive desert since the second half of the Colorado game. At first many were just attributing it to not showing everything, but as losses started to accumulate we realized it was a much deeper problem than that. Under Marcus Satterfield the Huskers offense, that has receivers such as Banks, Neyor, Lloyd, Fidone and Barney is ranked 66th in the nation in passing yards. The Huskers rushing attack with three fully capable backs is sitting at 111th nationally in yards per rush and 98th nationally in yards per game. The play calling has been heavily under scrutiny the past 5 games, and Matt Rhule took notice stating “I will do whatever it takes to have this team make a bowl game”. Those weren’t just words, they were precursors to actions as Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule last week hired former head coach and offensive guru Dana Holgerson. This week Rhule did the unheard of and appointed Holgerson as the play caller for Nebraska for the final three games of the season. So let’s take a look at who Dana Holgerson is.
Starting with Raiola, Holgerson is known for developing quarterbacks. Geno Smith, Case Keenum, Will Greer and Graham Harrell are all Holgerson developed quarterbacks. Known for maximizing quarterback potential through coaching and play calling, Holgerson has seemingly always put his quarterbacks in the right situation to succeed. Having eight quarterbacks pass for over 4,000 yards, twenty receivers finish with over 1,000 yards and six running backs finish with over 1,000 yards, Holgerson’s offenses can put up points.
Known for his air raid offense, a pass heavy, no-huddle spread offense that emphasizes quick passes and a fast tempo to spread the defenses should pair wonderfully with Rhules want to run the football. With big bodied receivers we will start seeing a plethora of out routes from Neyor, Banks and Fidone utilizing their size and leverage. While Lloyd and Barney work the slot position and use rub routes to get the ball in space. Pairing this offensive mindset with a run game that keeps defenses true, should utilize our strengths at QB, receiver and running back and lessen the task for an injury riddled offensive line. Husker fans are sure to see more zone blocking incorporated moving forward as well. Neutralizing opponents defensive fronts in the run game. Johnson and Johnson are seemingly ideal backs in this offense, but we should still see Dowdell maintain his starting role as his patience to hit the hole and downhill running style is always a major upside to any offense.
The Mike Leach and Mike Gundy influenced coach has never averaged under 40 points as an offensive coordinator. As a head coach, even in his worst offensive performing year he averaged 26.3 points per game. Nebraska currently sits at 22.3 points per game. As an offensive coordinator Holgerson has also never had an offense that was not top 2 in the nation in passing yards per game. Dana Holgerson is an offensive genius and could be the shot in the arm that this Husker offense needs to finish the season bowl eligible.
