The Evolution of Nebraska’s Defense: From Improvement to Dominance?
As Nebraska football gears up for its season opener against UTEP, the buzz around Lincoln isn’t just about the new faces on offense. The defense, led by a returning core that anchored one of the most improved units in the nation last season, is poised to take another step forward in 2024. After ranking 11th nationally in total defense and 8th against the run last year, the Blackshirts are ready to elevate their game from mere improvement to outright dominance.
A Look Back at 2023: Laying the Foundation
Nebraska’s 2023 season was a tale of defensive resurgence. The Huskers allowed their fewest points per game (18.3) since 2010 and their fewest yards per game (303.5) since 2009. It was a season marked by significant strides, with Nebraska ranking in the top 15 nationally in several key defensive categories, including rushing defense and scoring defense. The defense was particularly stingy on the ground, allowing just 92.9 rushing yards per game, good for 8th best in the country.
Much of this success can be attributed to the development of a cohesive unit that consistently executed its game plan. The defensive line, led by standout nose tackle Nash Hutmacher and veteran defensive end Ty Robinson, wreaked havoc in the trenches. Hutmacher, known for his relentless motor, recorded eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, while Robinson added six breakups and led the team with 11 quarterback hurries. These two, along with a deep rotation, set the tone for the entire defense.
2024: The Quest for Dominance
As the Huskers enter the 2024 season, the question on every fan’s mind is simple: Can the Blackshirts build on last year’s progress and become one of the elite defenses in college football? With six players who started at least eight games returning, there’s every reason to believe they can.
The return of Jimari Butler at defensive end adds another layer of complexity for opposing offenses. Butler led the Huskers with 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. Pairing Butler with Hutmacher and Robinson gives Nebraska a formidable front that can control the line of scrimmage and collapse the pocket consistently.
But the strength of this defense isn’t limited to the front line. Linebacker John Bullock, a sixth-year senior, anchors the middle of the field with his leadership and playmaking ability. Bullock, who ranked fourth on the team with 50 tackles last season, is joined by a versatile group that includes MJ Sherman, who brings experience and a knack for making timely plays from the JACK position.
In the secondary, Isaac Gifford leads a unit that is as experienced as it is talented. Gifford, who led the team with 86 tackles and added eight pass breakups last season, is joined by a healthy Marques Buford Jr. and DeShon Singleton, both of whom are expected to be key contributors after dealing with injuries in 2023. With Malcolm Hartzog Jr. and Tommi Hill providing versatility and depth, Nebraska’s secondary has the potential to be a strength, capable of locking down receivers and creating turnovers.
Setting the Tone Against UTEP
The season opener against UTEP offers the perfect opportunity for Nebraska’s defense to make a statement. UTEP, while competitive, is replacing several key contributors on offense, including their top three rushers and top four receivers from last season. This could spell trouble for the Miners, who will face a Nebraska defense hungry to prove that last year’s improvements were just the beginning.
Expect the Blackshirts to come out aggressive, looking to control the line of scrimmage and force UTEP into uncomfortable situations. If the Huskers can bottle up the run early and pressure the quarterback, it could be a long day for the Miners.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the potential for Nebraska’s defense to be the backbone of the team is clear. With a mix of returning experience and rising stars, the Blackshirts are not just aiming to replicate last year’s success—they’re aiming to dominate. And if the season opener is any indication, this defense is ready to do just that.
