The state of Nebraska’s football program will be evaluated when it takes on Ohio State, in Columbus. Saturday’s performance reminisced a Mike Riley football team that would fold when adversity struck. Can head coach Matt Rhule keep this team together?
Ohio State is Ohio State, and there is no sugar-coating it. The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in the entire country. Below is what Nebraska should do to schematically give themselves a chance to compete as a 25.5-point underdog:
Use your weapons
The Huskers must find a way to take the pressure off freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola on Saturday. It doesn’t help that offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield seems to be confused about his main goal in calling Nebraska’s offense.
“Between four and six, I honestly don’t even know what leads the country in yards per play,” Satterfield said of his goal for yards per play.
Nebraska is currently averaging 5.54 yards per play, which ranks 87th in the nation. This is concerning that Satterfield is not aware of the basic goals that an offensive coordinator should have. The blue-collar football is not showing up, as they are 99th in the nation in rushing, averaging 3.71 yards per carry.
The Huskers have to play junior quarterback Heinrich Haarberg on offense. The lack of a rushing attack continues to worsen the offense overall. Whether it’s at running back, wildcat, receiver or tight end, Haarberg deserves to play. With the Huskers’ significant struggle to block on the perimeter, Haarberg would be a great option as a wideout to help seal the edge. He plays with heart and has the size.
Another player that needs to get the football is freshman wide receiver Carter Nelson. Nelson has the size, speed and is a homegrown Nebraskan. The lack of stalk blocking comes down to effort. Like Haarberg, Nelson understands what the red N on the helmet represents. Nelson needs to be significantly involved.
Junior tight end Thomas Fidone had his best-receiving performance as a Husker in the 56-7 loss at Indiana. He had six receptions for 91 yards. It was about time he put up some numbers receiving. Expect the former four-star recruit to be more involved.
Nebraska might have to take a page out of the “late-great” Mike Leach’s playbook. The lack of a ground game is disturbing for a program that used to dominate in the trenches. With no running back emerging, Rhule could consider doing some west-coast passing to establish an identity.
The air raid would open up an opportunity to run some draws and screens. It’s not ideal, but the Huskers have not been physical enough on the line of scrimmage, perimeter and out of the backfield to run the football downhill. Nebraska should also consider adding some tempo, the predictability of substituting personnel is causing problem after problem. They will need to try to avoid this, it is allowing the defenses to know what is coming before the snap.
Play sound defense
Nebraska will need to play fundamental defense. The Blackshirts were out of character at Indiana, giving up 495 total yards of offense. Missed tackle after missed tackle was alarming. Defensive coordinator Tony White took a lot of the blame on the scheme he had last week.
“Schememattically wise, there is some things that I would definitely not do again,” White said of his scheme against Indiana.
The Huskers’ defense will have its hands full for another week. They will have to try to find a way to contain Ohio State’s star running backs Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson. They have combined for 915 yards on the ground, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. It starts here for the Blackshirts.
It won’t be any easier defending the Buckeyes’ passing attack led by Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard. Howard has thrown for 1,574 yards, 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions. True freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and senior wideout Emeka Egbuka are two of the best receivers in the Big Ten. They have combined for 1,079 yards receiving. Nebraska’s secondary will need to do its best to minimize the two stellar athletes’ vertical threat ability.
It comes down to how the Blackshirts respond. They have said they believe they can be a top-10 defense nationally. After the pathetic performance last Saturday, will they fold when they give up a score or two, or will they fight? They are not getting much help from the offense. Therefore, the only way Nebraska has a fighting chance is if they can minimize this explosive Buckeye offense.
What will happen?
It is a pretty safe bet to put money on Ohio State. The biggest question is: will Nebraska show heart, and will the coaches make adjustments? Getting dominated like the way they did at Indiana could derail this season, or they could bounce back and show that they’re better than what they performed last week.
I foresee the Huskers fighting early, Rhule is going to have to prove back to Husker Nation that this team does fight when it doesn’t go their way. I predict at halftime Nebraska is in this football game, but they will not be able to hang with the Buckeyes for 60 minutes. Picking a score is tough for this one, but I feel that Ohio State beats the Cornhuskers 35-17. The lack of containing the perimeter on defense and not being able to run the football will continue to cost Big Red.
Nebraska is still 5-2; the world isn’t falling, but if they don’t get it together, it will.
You can find a deep analysis of the current state of the football program here: BigRedwBSchneid – Will Nebraska Fight at Ohio State?