A few reasons why the 2017 offensive line will be better than 2016..

[Cornicator]

You don't have to be a Football expert to realize Nebraska's offensive line often sucked in 2016. A lot of people feel like that unit's ability to improve will be the #1 factor regarding Nebraska's success ,or lack thereof, in 2017. Check out this bizarre stat:

Prior to 2016, Nebraska was 121st out of 125 D1 football programs in total # of combined returning starts for their offensive linemen.

Nick Gates - 10 starts
Dylan Utter- 11 starts
Tanner Farmer- 0
Sam Hahn - 0 (had only ever played on a punt unit)
David Knevel - 0 (only ever played on Kick units)
Corey Whitaker - 0 (had only played 4 career games in 3 seasons.)
DJ Foster - 0 (played 1st career game and start after 4 practices vs. Minnesota. Never even had a preseason or a non con warm ups, due to knee injury.)
Cole Conrad - 0 (made first career start vs. Ohio State after Knevel went down.)

Those 7 dudes are the only 7 linemen who played. And you could argue the guy with the most experience was the least talented.
Now check out the progression going into 2017:


LT- Nick Gates - 23 starts
LG -DJ Foster - 3 Starts (finally returned from injury and was able to finish the season)
C- Cole Conrad - 5 Starts (started the final 5 games of the season- Now moving to Center)
RG- Tanner Farmer - 11 starts (potentially Nebraska's most talented linemen)
RT- David Knevel - 8 Starts ( Ankle injury vs. Oregon hampered consistency rest of season.)


One last nugget to make you puke:

Vs. Ohio State, Nebraska played virtually the whole game with Gates, Hahn, Utter, Whitaker, and Conrad. Getting their ass kicked was no surprise.


The Huskers will also have some scholarship RS Freshmen and Sophomores who finally be ready to give Nebraska some viable back ups for the first time in 3 or 4 seasons:

-Boe Wilson
- Matt Farniok
-Michael Decker
- Jaelin Barnett
- John Raridon

All 5 of those guys should see some time, and in the interior especially, the Huskers have substantially more talent in case a front line guy goes down.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Doesn't fit the narrative that Cav sucks, sorry not buying.

 

[inWV]

One last nugget to make you puke:

Vs. Ohio State, Nebraska played virtually the whole game with Gates, Hahn, Utter, Whitaker, and Conrad. Getting their ass kicked was no surprise.

Wow! We played the best team on our schedule with 3 walkon linemen and another guy who spent his career basically buried on the depth chart. And played most of the game with a walkon QB. The cupboard was not only bare, but had been taken down from the kitchen wall and used for firewood.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

-excuses
-every team has injuries
-are we still blaming Bo depth?
-Cav sucks
-run the ball


But seriously good post.

 

[swissticuffs]

I sure hope they are better. A repeat of last year would be a disaster.

 

[huskerfan1414]

One reason why i dont get the 6 win talk.

 

[c3ntral08]

Great post. It's nice to be reminded just how thin we were at OL last year. I'm expecting Barnett to finally get on the field and show why he was a 5.9 recruit. September 2nd can't get here soon enough.

 

[bigboxes]

-excuses
-every team has injuries
-are we still blaming Bo depth?
-Cav sucks
-run the ball


But seriously good post.

I really like you. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[bigboxes]

One reason why i dont get the 6 win talk.

Think about it. We no longer have a QB that can create excitement with his feet, only his arm. It's going to be a long year...





...what with all those completions and scoring.

 

[Cornicator]

Great post. It's nice to be reminded just how thin we were at OL last year. I'm expecting Barnett to finally get on the field and show why he was a 5.9 recruit. September 2nd can't get here soon enough.

His problem has been finding time to play football instead of sitting at the dinner table. I believe its the main reason Oklahoma backed off the kid. There were rumblings about his work ethic not matching his talent. The good news for Nebraska, and for Barnett, is he has lost about 25 lbs and was in much better shape by late Spring.

Hopefully he stays motivated.

 

[Cornicator]

One reason why i dont get the 6 win talk.

I still think Nebraska's wins and losses will be decided by defense in 2017.

 

[spinner4]

You better knock on wood with this post. Seems like every year the O-line gets hit with a key injury in Fall practice. Last year it was DJ. Yes almost every team does, but its been a very long time since the huskers can overcome key injuries. That's the difference, good teams over come kinks in the road.

And in theory this post is 100% correct. The O-line should be a ton better in 2017 and the team in general should be a ton better for it. But we shall see. It a brink year for Cav and if he does not improve greatly this season, I have no doubt his replacement will be better. His O-lines have been the worst in my life time for NU. Chalk that up to what ever reason you want, but the bottom line is they've been awful. But in order for Cav to improve, he will have to learn from his past mistakes. Not sure Cav has it in him to change.

I am actually not as worried worried about the D. There's talent on the D. The secondary has the makings of being lock down. LBs are very good and have depth, and the D-Line has basically everyone back. Plus there is a major improvement in coaching. Will there be growing pains? Not sure. But I know the D will be mean this season and that's something we have not seen in a while.

 

[jeans15]

Wow! We played the best team on our schedule with 3 walkon linemen and another guy who spent his career basically buried on the depth chart. And played most of the game with a walkon QB. The cupboard was not only bare, but had been taken down from the kitchen wall and used for firewood.

Yet we expected our QB to be Tom Brady and Vince Young at the same time.

Teams jumped our first option because they know we couldn't protect long enough to get to a 2nd and 3rd consistently. And our run game wasn't a major threat.

Both of those things have to change.

 

[jflores]

You better knock on wood with this post. Seems like every year the O-line gets hit with a key injury in Fall practice. Last year it was DJ. Yes almost every team does, but its been a very long time since the huskers can overcome key injuries. That's the difference, good teams over come kinks in the road.

And in theory this post is 100% correct. The O-line should be a ton better in 2017 and the team in general should be a ton better for it. But we shall see. It a brink year for Cav and if he does not improve greatly this season, I have no doubt his replacement will be better. His O-lines have been the worst in my life time for NU. Chalk that up to what ever reason you want, but the bottom line is they've been awful. But in order for Cav to improve, he will have to learn from his past mistakes. Not sure Cav has it in him to change.

I am actually not as worried worried about the D. There's talent on the D. The secondary has the makings of being lock down. LBs are very good and have depth, and the D-Line has basically everyone back. Plus there is a major improvement in coaching. Will there be growing pains? Not sure. But I know the D will be mean this season and that's something we have not seen in a while.

I'm optimistic about the D going forward, but most of the rumblings I've heard is we are lacking a true fit for Diaco's OLB postions and it will show it at times with various busts.

 

[big red22]

I'm optimistic about the D going forward, but most of the rumblings I've heard is we are lacking a true fit for Diaco's OLB postions and it will show it at times with various busts.

What about Alex Davis? Also Collin Miller seems like he would be a real good fit, but he is listed as Inside LB

 

[jflores]

What about Alex Davis? Also Collin Miller seems like he would be a real good fit, but he is listed as Inside LB

This is just me, but I thought we might have a few guys suited. But it seems when Diaco came on board most everyone got shoved towards the ILB position.

The OLB position is supposed to be the most demanding, so we might have to do a bit more digging on the recruiting trail to find the "perfect" fit.

 

[huskerfan1414]

I still think Nebraska's wins and losses will be decided by defense in 2017.

Then im not worried about less than 9 wins barring injuries.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

from what I have heard about the OLB position.

Boundary - the negative is experience. Alex Davis has the edge going into the fall, King and Stille have a chance to play and if Guy Thomas can prove this fall he can pressure the QB and getbhis weight to 215 and keep it there, he is a player that may see action, especially in passing situations.

Field - Newby, will probably start. Gifford will play, Ferguson and Alexander will be given every opportunity to earn PT.

My speculation-

I think Mo Berry will beat out Dedrick Young before Big Ten play starts.

Weber will be the Mike. Roberts will back him up and play good minutes.

I believe Ferguson and Alexander will adjust to the field side OLB and will push Newby and Gifford for PT.

 

[jeans15]

Anyone think we will start out running a 4-2-5 next year instead of the 3-4. Then gradually morph to that.

 

[Cornicator]

Anyone think we will start out running a 4-2-5 next year instead of the 3-4. Then gradually morph to that.

No.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Anyone think we will start out running a 4-2-5 next year instead of the 3-4. Then gradually morph to that.

I don't. i think the 3-4 will be the base D from the jump. They will play some even front, but we don't have enough size at boundary OLB to smoothly transition between the 2 without substituting.

 

[DudznSudz]

I don't. i think the 3-4 will be the base D from the jump. They will play some even front, but we don't have enough size at boundary OLB to smoothly transition between the 2 without substituting.

I think I just read in the OWH that Diaco just said we'll be about 50/50 between a 3/4 and 4/3 this year. It's pretty nifty stuff, I think.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I think I just read in the OWH that Diaco just said we'll be about 50/50 between a 3/4 and 4/3 this year. It's pretty nifty stuff, I think.

He obviously knows what he wants to do better than I do.

I base my opinion on what he did at ND, when he could drop his boundary OLB to a DE and not miss a beat. You lose the flexibility element of switching when you have to sub.

Now if Alex Davis, King and Stille can put their hand in the dirt and take on OTs, get a pass rush one on one and be able to set the edge against the run, then you have that flexibility. I don't think we will see much 4-3 though. I will have to check my Diaco ND notes.

 

[HuskerLLM]

Stille is back down to DE, Miller moving outside, dropping into coverage and playing in space a real learning curve for A Davis/King...Guy Thomas intriguing

 

[SnohomishRed]

I still think Nebraska's wins and losses will be decided by defense in 2017.

Since joining the Big10 we have averaged 8th in scoring defense and 7th in total defense. That will not win confer titles for you - in fact outside of a few years since TO retired our defense has sucked - So I agree the way back for us is through defense

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Interesting.

 

[jflores]

I think I just read in the OWH that Diaco just said we'll be about 50/50 between a 3/4 and 4/3 this year. It's pretty nifty stuff, I think.

This isn't a joust at you, but I read the same article and I thought his quote was "if you pull random plays out of the 1000 we have, you'd find we run 500 4 man fronts and 500 3 man fronts".

That's what's in the book though. I haven't watched enough ND to tell if he calls it that way too. He does pride himself in not giving up too much tendency, but I think that was largely by moving the OLB around and not necessarily playing a "true" 4-3 call with a substitution.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

....because we can't be any worse.

 

[NYC-Husker]

from what I have heard about the OLB position.

Boundary - the negative is experience. Alex Davis has the edge going into the fall, King and Stille have a chance to play and if Guy Thomas can prove this fall he can pressure the QB and getbhis weight to 215 and keep it there, he is a player that may see action, especially in passing situations.

Field - Newby, will probably start. Gifford will play, Ferguson and Alexander will be given every opportunity to earn PT.

My speculation-

I think Mo Berry will beat out Dedrick Young before Big Ten play starts.

Weber will be the Mike. Roberts will back him up and play good minutes.

I believe Ferguson and Alexander will adjust to the field side OLB and will push Newby and Gifford for PT.

Question on the Boundary vs. Field side OLB roles: do you know what the different skill-sets would be for each of the positions? Is it more important to be a pass rush specialist from the Boundary side, and then more important to be able to cover TEs from the Field side? Or maybe tackling backs in space is more important on one side versus the other side?

I'm just trying to get a grasp on possible rotations or changes between the two sides, as it seems that the Field side is the one with all of the experience, and with all that we've read about Gifford's progress, is it possible that Newby just moves to the other side? Or maybe he doesn't possess the correct skills required from that side? Same question regarding Alexander. I read that Ferguson played the Field side OLB position in a 3-4 defense in high school, so I get why he's on that side, but it just seems odd that we'd have both Ferguson and Alexander stacked there behind Newby/Gifford.

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Question on the Boundary vs. Field side OLB roles: do you know what the different skill-sets would be for each of the positions? Is it more important to be a pass rush specialist from the Boundary side, and then more important to be able to cover TEs from the Field side? Or maybe tackling backs in space is more important on one side versus the other side?

I'm just trying to get a grasp on possible rotations or changes between the two sides, as it seems that the Field side is the one with all of the experience, and with all that we've read about Gifford's progress, is it possible that Newby just moves to the other side? Or maybe he doesn't possess the correct skills required from that side? Same question regarding Alexander. I read that Ferguson played the Field side OLB position in a 3-4 defense in high school, so I get why he's on that side, but it just seems odd that we'd have both Ferguson and Alexander stacked there behind Newby/Gifford.

Any thoughts appreciated!

I would go here to see a written definition of what he ideally wants at each position and how the defense worked in theory.


https://www.onefootdown.com/2012/8/25/3267286/bob-diacos-3-4-no-crease-defense


I then went to YouTube and searched for 2010-2012 Notre Dame games and watched a bunch of games to get an idea on how it actually worked.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

Question on the Boundary vs. Field side OLB roles: do you know what the different skill-sets would be for each of the positions? Is it more important to be a pass rush specialist from the Boundary side, and then more important to be able to cover TEs from the Field side? Or maybe tackling backs in space is more important on one side versus the other side?

I'm just trying to get a grasp on possible rotations or changes between the two sides, as it seems that the Field side is the one with all of the experience, and with all that we've read about Gifford's progress, is it possible that Newby just moves to the other side? Or maybe he doesn't possess the correct skills required from that side? Same question regarding Alexander. I read that Ferguson played the Field side OLB position in a 3-4 defense in high school, so I get why he's on that side, but it just seems odd that we'd have both Ferguson and Alexander stacked there behind Newby/Gifford.

Any thoughts appreciated!

I wouldn't get too hooked on the field vs boundary stuff. Believe it or not, they will have to play snaps between the goalposts as well. With most 3-4 defenses, there's actually more than just a couple things that go into just the strength-call when the ball isn't on a hash.

But when they say "boundary", you can probably count on that guy being a rusher(stand-up 5-tech) a bunch of the time, with the DE to his side dropping down the a 3-tech.

 

[Husker Sledge]

It's do or die for Alex Davis this year. I was high on the kid but maybe it's just not in the cards for him? As far as the OL......there should have been a new "kick ass" culture instilled way back in January! Pushing each other like never before in the weight room especially. Hope we don't have yet another year where 2/3 of our OL are gimping around all hurt by conference play! One can only hope we have better quality depth now.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

I really like you. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Im really flattered,however I dont want to lead you on. Im still with the wife. I know after the trainer/shower incident it didnt look like I would stay with her...........But I talked it over with some Penn St grad friends of ours and they made me realize nothing happened.

 

[SeaOfRed75]

His problem has been finding time to play football instead of sitting at the dinner table. I believe its the main reason Oklahoma backed off the kid. There were rumblings about his work ethic not matching his talent. The good news for Nebraska, and for Barnett, is he has lost about 25 lbs and was in much better shape by late Spring.

Hopefully he stays motivated.

Good to hear. What little I saw of him in pre game warm ups he looked way too out of shape to really see any time. Be good for depth at the very least if a fire has been lit.

 

[suhnami]

I think I just read in the OWH that Diaco just said we'll be about 50/50 between a 3/4 and 4/3 this year. It's pretty nifty stuff, I think.

That's not what he said. He said if you look at 1000 plays 500 would be 3/4 and 500 would be 4/3.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

Back to the original topic...I'm believing the OL is gonna be much better until I see Knevel starting. That guy makes Jason Schwab look like Orlando Pace.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Back to the original topic...I'm believing the OL is gonna be much better until I see Knevel starting. That guy makes Jason Schwab look like Orlando Pace.

It's hard to think we won't be improved because I won't see Utter out there.

 

[bomber89]

I will believe a better O-line when I see it. As long as Kneivel (sp?) is in there I have zero faith in the line.

 

[Cornicator]

Knevel didn't play vs. Ohio State, Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa, or Tennessee due to injury.
And he suffered a serious ankle injury vs Oregon which really hampered his PT vs. Northwestern, Purdue, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Considering he didn't play in 3 of Nebraska's 4 losses, it's difficult to suggest he was The biggest problem for the Huskers.

I


The worst issue was the interior when Farmer was out or only playing hurt by default. Nebraska's inability to get a push inside was almost comical.

Utter, Hahn, and Whittaker never should've been playing Big Ten Football.

 

[pistrinus]

Knevel didn't play vs. Ohio State, Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa, or Tennessee due to injury.
And he suffered a serious ankle injury vs Oregon which really hampered his PT vs. Northwestern, Purdue, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Considering he didn't play in 3 of Nebraska's 4 losses, it's difficult to suggest he was The biggest problem for the Huskers.

I


The worst issue was the interior when Farmer was out or only playing hurt by default. Nebraska's inability to get a push inside was almost comical.

Utter, Hahn, and Whittaker never should've been playing Big Ten Football.

i agree with this , knevel did make a differnce last year , he didnt finish illinois game , reinsured ankle at the start of the illinois game and i don't think he played in the purdue . as for the knashing of the teeth over the o-line i think its a lot of fake news from the media. for examplee that awful scrimmage this past spring . well the starting line marched all the way done the field against the starting defence and would have had a touchdown if a post pattern was caught . i dont how good the o-line will be , but if they are healthy they will be competitive. and the back ups are way better , huge improvement over last year