Head coach Matt Rhule clarified Micah Mazzccua’s status with the team on his Monday meeting with the press, stating that he was still on the team but was not a starter. Mazzccua, the Florida transfer and senior that many believed would be an impact player on the offensive line, has not seen a lot of game action with the Huskers. In fact, he hasn’t been seen since the Colorado game. Matt Rhule previously stated he was “working through some things,” but stated he was still with the team. Rumors went into overdrive over the previous weekend when he did not make the trip to Purdue. Rhule stated after the game that Mazzccua was “still on the team.” On Monday, Rhule stated Mazzccua was suspended mid last week, although he did not go into details. He said Mazzccua was still on the team, but made it perfectly clear he was second on the depth chart at the RG position to Henry Lutovsky.
What’s this mean for an offensive line that is already starting third string LT Gunnar Gottula? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Much has been made about Mazzccua by the fan base saying that he is the best piece on that offensive line and that his absence is critical. Where did this come from? I think a lot of fans tend to think because he was a Florida transfer and a senior (and his imposing size at the press podium) meant that he was automatically their best player. At Florida, his PFF grade was impressive at 75. Reality doesn’t share the same viewpoint, however. Mazzccua has only played against UTEP and a little against Colorado. Against UTEP, which arguably had the worst defensive line we have played, PFF graded him out at 68. Lutovsky, who has played since, averages around 67. He landed a 68 against Purdue. There is hardly a drop off there, and when you consider the teams Lutovsky has lined up against, its probably an improvement to that position.
So, let’s put to bed the talking about Mazzccua. Whatever he is going through, I hope he figures it out and bounces back. At the end of the day, Rhule will play who he sees fit, and there is little reason for concern with the offensive line.