Hope

[BigBL87]

What was Raiola’s excuse then when we did have a mobile QB? Both Thompson and HH had zone read running plays built into the offensive playbook. And our line still sucked. Furthermore, lack of a mobile QB doesn’t explain our inability to not make stupid penalties like Benhart’s. It was inexcusable.

Here's my thing...

Raiola isn't the running threat that HH is, but he's alot more mobile than people seem to think. So I wouldn't even say we lack a mobile QB.

I feel like a big part of the reason he seems immobile is because he is so hesitant and/or indecisive when it comes to running. Once he decides to run, he's not exactly a statue.

I don't know if he's been coached not to scramble or only do so as an absolute last resort, or if it's him personally not wanting to, but if he was more decisive about when to break down and run for it, he'd be alot more successful.

Even on the run that caused his injury, he ended up in the position he did because he was hesitant and didn't look comfortable running. His slide short of the first down in this game was just another example of it too.

 

[SkulzNBonz]

I see hope for the future with the Holgorsen hire. Our offense continued to struggle at USC, especially in the red zone, but I thought the offensive play calling was definitely better. Give him time and Holgorsen will get this offense going. I hope he sticks around.

But we need a serious upgrade in talent across the board, especially on the offensive line. It all begins there. Our inability to run the ball consistently is why we struggle in the red zone.

Hit the portal hard for offensive linemen and physical wide receivers who can block and escape man to man press coverage.

The defense has its issues and is overrated but the fact is they played well enough for us to win. And that is true of every game this year except Indiana. As up and down and frustrating as our defense has been they have kept things close enough for us to win.

We need an improved offensive line as the top priority going forward. Nothing else will matter until that happens.

Gotta keep in mind, we lost Teddy P before the season started and he was named starter at LT. Corcoran who is a far better run blocker than Pass Blocker was the starter at LT this year after Teddy was lost and last year due to Teddy's season ending shoulder injury. The loss of Ethan Piper who retired due to that nasty injury also doesn't help much either as he was a beast. The Philosophy and the blocking changed up this year because of Dylan. Last year with pretty much the same OL we led the B1G in rushing up until the last 2 games and Penn St passed us and we finished 2nd and were nationally ranked in rushing as well all year. It's the philosophy change as Dylan isn't an RPO dual threat QB. They taylored the O and blocking to him. The blocking schemes are different for a running QB with a run heavy offense such as last years as we didn't have a QB that could complete passes worth shit when needed.

 

[jkeb]

I saw progress for sure. QB getting the ball out faster, actually schemed some running lanes and blocked on the perimeter a few times, better personnel use at RB/WR, targeting at WR, and much better flow to the playcalling in general. Still wish WRs would fight for the ball more. I also wouldn't mind HH getting a full series as a wildcat QB either. It won't work as the whole offense, but it could be unstoppable for one drive of scripted plays and could put in a trick play where he throws it. Overall definitely made progress and wasn't as humiliating as usual. We lost but we were playing football.

 

[Sodakred]

Hope…less

 

[dinglefritz]

I saw progress for sure. QB getting the ball out faster, actually schemed some running lanes and blocked on the perimeter a few times, better personnel use at RB/WR, targeting at WR, and much better flow to the playcalling in general. Still wish WRs would fight for the ball more. I also wouldn't mind HH getting a full series as a wildcat QB either. It won't work as the whole offense, but it could be unstoppable for one drive of scripted plays and could put in a trick play where he throws it. Overall definitely made progress and wasn't as humiliating as usual. We lost but we were playing football.

Redzone QB play is still a problem. DH schemed up an easy 6 points and Raiola didn’t see it. Dylan slid short of the sticks on a 3rd down as well. Those are the 2 obvious mistakes but there were more. IF he stays hopefully he learns from his mistakes.

 

[hephusker]

It’s not our O line coach. It’s been our offensive scheme, play caller and our QB. IF you want to see our O line improve replace our QB with one who is a run threat. It’s a huge handicap for our O line when a defense doesn’t have to worry about our QB burning them with his feet. A strict drop back immobile QB doesn’t work in the NFL anymore either. They get destroyed.

Agree - all quality NFL QBs are now mobile...Lamar, Mahomes, Allen, Hurts, Hebert, Burrow, Daniels etc.

 

[phoenix4nu]

At the risk of giving NU more credit than they deserve, USC was the luckiest team I've seen in a long time. In order.

On their first TD: They complete a miracle pass on 2nd and 13th that had probably a 1% chance of completing. Desperation heave that they complete for 1st and goal instead of 3rd and 13.

Their 2nd TD: Friggin unreal TD on 2nd and goal from the 12 on a pass that Hartzog tipped, then had it ricochet off his helmet into the WR hands. TD instead of 3rd and goal from the 12.

Official blow an obvious DPI that would have given NU first and goal at the 1. Two officials watching Banks' feet and oblivious to one of the easiest PI calls they'd ever have to make. Clowns. NU gets 3 instead of 4 cracks at 7 from the 1.

On USC's final TD drive: First, they snap the ball into the leg of receiver gong in motion, get lucky to recover the fumble on this Nebraska-like bungled play. Then, on the very next play, their QB's arm is hit as he throws, resulting in a wobbly fumble/pass that is tipped and ONCE AGAIN RICOCHETS OFF AN NU HELMET. into the arms of their receiver for 9 yards. 4th and a foot instead of 4th and 9th and a punt.

Of course, not to be outdone by the first missed DPI, the clown show officials miss an even easier DPI on the games final play. It was bad enough that the DB was grabbing Banks' jersey during the entire sequence, he literally yanked Banks backwards, preventing him from making any kind of play on the ball.

NU deserves no sympathy for yet another season crumbing down the stretch, but JFC, USC was lucky as hell yesterday.

Good teams would have intercepted or batted down the passes you mention in Nos. 1 and 2.

 

[Walleye79]

I have zero hope with Rhule as HC. He can not manage any in game situations. All the while watching first and 2nd year coaches at there respected programs progress and improve. Another lame coach that can’t move the program forward. God our football program is incompetent. Been that way since the Pelini days. Embarrassing every single year

 

[GaRed]

I see hope for the future with the Holgorsen hire. Our offense continued to struggle at USC, especially in the red zone, but I thought the offensive play calling was definitely better. Give him time and Holgorsen will get this offense going. I hope he sticks around.

But we need a serious upgrade in talent across the board, especially on the offensive line. It all begins there. Our inability to run the ball consistently is why we struggle in the red zone.

Hit the portal hard for offensive linemen and physical wide receivers who can block and escape man to man press coverage.

The defense has its issues and is overrated but the fact is they played well enough for us to win. And that is true of every game this year except Indiana. As up and down and frustrating as our defense has been they have kept things close enough for us to win.

We need an improved offensive line as the top priority going forward. Nothing else will matter until that happens.

The oline has been a glaring problem for years . I've been preaching that too long. You guys will have amnesia next season, just wait. If we can't run against the likes of N.Iowa we won't be a good team. Period. Bank on it.

 

[Laner2]

I see hope for the future with the Holgorsen hire. Our offense continued to struggle at USC, especially in the red zone, but I thought the offensive play calling was definitely better. Give him time and Holgorsen will get this offense going. I hope he sticks around.

But we need a serious upgrade in talent across the board, especially on the offensive line. It all begins there. Our inability to run the ball consistently is why we struggle in the red zone.

Hit the portal hard for offensive linemen and physical wide receivers who can block and escape man to man press coverage.

The defense has its issues and is overrated but the fact is they played well enough for us to win. And that is true of every game this year except Indiana. As up and down and frustrating as our defense has been they have kept things close enough for us to win.

We need an improved offensive line as the top priority going forward. Nothing else will matter until that happens.

Well reasoned post. The only suggestion would be to call another poster a name to stay in keeping with board tradition. I would like to nominate HBK, Tampa or Red Baloney. Possibly me. TIA

 

[Laner2]

The oline has been a glaring problem for years . I've been preaching that too long. You guys will have amnesia next season, just wait. If we can't run against the likes of N.Iowa we won't be a good team. Period. Bank on it.

Since Rhule kept Donovan I've been preaching that he needs three years with his own recruits, not what he inherited. Two glaring things about this year's Oline.....Dylan has a clean box most times to pass from, and run blocking sucks ballz. It's beyond embarrassing that NU, with its running tradition, can't open lanes better. That has to change, and soon.

 

[c3o]

Well reasoned post. The only suggestion would be to call another poster a name to stay in keeping with board tradition. I would like to nominate HBK, Tampa or Red Baloney. Possibly me. TIA

You ****ing asshole

 

[GaRed]

Since Rhule kept Donovan I've been preaching that he needs three years with his own recruits, not what he inherited. Two glaring things about this year's Oline.....Dylan has a clean box most times to pass from, and run blocking sucks ballz. It's beyond embarrassing that NU, with its running tradition, can't open lanes better. That has to change, and soon.

Yeah, he needs his own guys. These starters are too soft and the quit is too deep in them.

 

[drubendall]

I have zero hope with Rhule as HC. He can not manage any in game situations. All the while watching first and 2nd year coaches at there respected programs progress and improve. Another lame coach that can’t move the program forward. God our football program is incompetent. Been that way since the Pelini days. Embarrassing every single year

Culture builder. Poor at game day coaching and choosing a staff

 

[itseasyas1-2-3]

Well reasoned post. The only suggestion would be to call another poster a name to stay in keeping with board tradition. I would like to nominate HBK, Tampa or Red Baloney. Possibly me. TIA

You're such a prick Laner. lol

 

[Laner2]

I have zero hope with Rhule as HC. He can not manage any in game situations. All the while watching first and 2nd year coaches at there respected programs progress and improve. Another lame coach that can’t move the program forward. God our football program is incompetent. Been that way since the Pelini days. Embarrassing every single year

Careful, BigBloBoFan will call you a moron.

 

[itseasyas1-2-3]

You ****ing asshole

Damn, beat me to it. nice job c30!!

 

[HuskerDrew]

The RB Coach, WR Coach, Offensive line Coach, Special Teams Coach, all need hard discussions and action.

Include the OC position as well, because I believe DH is here on a temporary basis only.

Defensively, we have issues at certain positions talent wise and not a fan of the 3 man front either.

There is a lot that can be looked at if Rhule is serious and committed to winning.

Truly baffling to bring in Holgorsen if he didn’t agree to be OC next season. I expect him to be OC going forward, but if not I’ll be scratching my head. But the good thing is Satt is gone regardless so that’s a net positive
McGuire has to be replaced… is Dr Route still available?
Maybe the DB coach?
Frankly, most of our issue stem from the crappy offense. Fix that with DH and we are a much better team. I liked what I saw give. That we had a completely new OC from the outside take over mid stream… that can’t be easy to do
If we win one of the last two that will be something, and those teams don’t have the skill players that USC does
Fingers crossed

 

[BrighteRed24]

Culture builder. Poor at game day coaching and choosing a staff

Is there any evidence that he’s doing a good job building culture here?

 

[c3o]

Is there any evidence that he’s doing a good job building culture here?

Losing culture is off the charts

 

[NikkiSixx]

... But the good thing is Satt is gone regardless so that’s a net positive

is he though? I have seen nothing official to that end.

 

[HuskerDrew]

is he though? I have seen nothing official to that end.

I mean at the very least, calling the plays

Not sure if he would be kept as a position coach for next year, who knows.

If, Holgorsen is OC for next year then we can fully implement his offense and see what we can do. There are no certainties these days, but not having Shitterfield run his offense will be positive for us.

I recall the days of Frosts second year, when we looked like absolute ASS and still had many dipshits on this board saying it was Riley’s fault and that Frost needed 5 years at least.
What a shitshow THAT was….
At least Rhule made a change early

 

[Baxter48]

Bryce Benhart is a case in point. Veteran player. Been a starter for years. Coached by Raiola for 3 of those years. And then, like clockwork, he commits a false start penalty with the game on the line. The crowd was not that loud. He was used to his QB’s signal cadences. One fricking play left in a winnable game if we can all just execute properly, and he goes brain dead and false starts. And that one penalty now limits your potential play call. Down in the red zone there is a world of difference contained in those five yards. I knew at that moment the next play would fail.

That is coaching when it happens over and over and over. And name one player who has really improved and flourished under Raiola’s coaching.

Actually it was the left guard who did the false start. Imo the linemen aren’t athletic enough. The red zone woes have been the killer of this team and the past. They run the ball between the 20’s then they run one time and then pass pass pass. I still say go big I formation with a fullback and tell your oline to freaking man up and move your opponent . When was the last time we had a o lineman that had a nasty streak? I’m guessing Ricky Henry. That’s to long not for a school that has multiple Outland trophy winners

 

[GaRed]

Is there any evidence that he’s doing a good job building culture here?

He has to get the rot out. I see that he is willing to put younger guys in , so there's that.

 

[dinglefritz]

He has to get the rot out. I see that he is willing to put younger guys in , so there's that.

I was just listening to the Vikings radio guys on their postgame radio. They talked about the difference having a positive family vibe makes for their team. It has allowed them to attract quality free agents on defense they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

We were a mess when Rhule took over. Some would say we still are but the change in the chemistry of our team is positive. I believe if we get the offense fixed and Dylan gains experience, we’ll get there. I don’t see starting over with a new head coach as a good option even if the contract wasn’t a factor. I like Rhule. I like the atmosphere he’s fostered. Now fix the offense and get it done.

 

[iROOT4nu]

Hope can have downsides, including:
disappointment, pain, reliance, and stress.

Story of our lives the last 15-20 years.

 

[dinglefritz]

It’s not that Dylan isn’t a good running QB, it’s that he hesitates to long making that decision, which in all likely hood happens when your a true freshman.

He’s not a good runner. He’s athletic enough maybe but no DC has to game plan around him getting a chunk play on a called QB run or option. He’s a big dude who could punish a DB but he’s going to try to avoid hits

 

[king_kong_]

He’s not a good runner. He’s athletic enough maybe but no DC has to game plan around him getting a chunk play on a called QB run or option. He’s a big dude who could punish a DB but he’s going to try to avoid hits

I wonder if he’ll try to lean out a little during the offseason

Not saying he should

 

[dinglefritz]

I wonder if he’ll try to lean out a little during the offseason

Not saying he should

I hope not. A little fat cushion helps take some of the sting out of hits. I would like him be more decisive when he takes off but I don’t think it’s in his DNA to be a runner. Maybe he gets more confident in his ability to move the chains with his feet. It takes a different mindset.

 

[GaRed]

I was just listening to the Vikings radio guys on their postgame radio. They talked about the difference having a positive family vibe makes for their team. It has allowed them to attract quality free agents on defense they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

We were a mess when Rhule took over. Some would say we still are but the change in the chemistry of our team is positive. I believe if we get the offense fixed and Dylan gains experience, we’ll get there. I don’t see starting over with a new head coach as a good option even if the contract wasn’t a factor. I like Rhule. I like the atmosphere he’s fostered. Now fix the offense and get it done.

I think he can get it done but it will be longer than we want. The stench is real to me. The losing mentality is too easily accepted. He's not going anywhere so all I can do is not get excited and /or don't watch, I've been doing both.

 

[GaRed]

Hope can have downsides, including:
disappointment, pain, reliance, and stress.

Story of our lives the last 15-20 years.

What's that saying " You can have hope in one hand " ?

 

[king_kong_]

I was just listening to the Vikings radio guys on their postgame radio. They talked about the difference having a positive family vibe makes for their team. It has allowed them to attract quality free agents on defense they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

We were a mess when Rhule took over. Some would say we still are but the change in the chemistry of our team is positive. I believe if we get the offense fixed and Dylan gains experience, we’ll get there. I don’t see starting over with a new head coach as a good option even if the contract wasn’t a factor. I like Rhule. I like the atmosphere he’s fostered. Now fix the offense and get it done.

Rhule had some mojo working during last years win streak

Crowd surfing in the locker room and everything. Guys were having a good time.

This year has seemed much more business-like and now nobody seems like they’re having any fun

 

[dinglefritz]

Rhule had some mojo working during last years win streak

Crowd surfing in the locker room and everything. Guys were having a good time.

This year has seemed much more business-like and now nobody seems like they’re having any fun

They’re feeling the pressure and hear the noise from social media. They heard the boos during the UCLA game. Believe it or not, they hate losing. We need a win badly. Hopefully Wisconsin canning their OC gives us an edge.

 

[Hford]

I see hope for the future with the Holgorsen hire. Our offense continued to struggle at USC, especially in the red zone, but I thought the offensive play calling was definitely better. Give him time and Holgorsen will get this offense going. I hope he sticks around.

But we need a serious upgrade in talent across the board, especially on the offensive line. It all begins there. Our inability to run the ball consistently is why we struggle in the red zone.

Hit the portal hard for offensive linemen and physical wide receivers who can block and escape man to man press coverage.

The defense has its issues and is overrated but the fact is they played well enough for us to win. And that is true of every game this year except Indiana. As up and down and frustrating as our defense has been they have kept things close enough for us to win.

We need an improved offensive line as the top priority going forward. Nothing else will matter until that happens.

Hope is why they made the hire. Losing 6 straight was going to be tough to swallow.

 

[leodisflowers]

I see hope for the future with the Holgorsen hire. Our offense continued to struggle at USC, especially in the red zone, but I thought the offensive play calling was definitely better. Give him time and Holgorsen will get this offense going. I hope he sticks around.

But we need a serious upgrade in talent across the board, especially on the offensive line. It all begins there. Our inability to run the ball consistently is why we struggle in the red zone.

Hit the portal hard for offensive linemen and physical wide receivers who can block and escape man to man press coverage.

The defense has its issues and is overrated but the fact is they played well enough for us to win. And that is true of every game this year except Indiana. As up and down and frustrating as our defense has been they have kept things close enough for us to win.

We need an improved offensive line as the top priority going forward. Nothing else will matter until that happens.

We struggled in the red zone because Raiola sucks. I actually liked what Dana did, but then Raiola continues to not execute it. It might be worth putting HH in once they cross the 20 because Raiola kills us.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

We struggled in the red zone because Raiola sucks. I actually liked what Dana did, but then Raiola continues to not execute it. It might be worth putting HH in once they cross the 20 because Raiola kills us.

Put HH in? Why? So we can turn it over?

 

[leodisflowers]

Put HH in? Why? So we can turn it over?

Because he is at least a threat with his feet and we have multiple options. Maybe he will at least see the open receivers because Dylan isn't right now. We need some sort of spark. I'm tired of giving DR15 the excuse that he is a freshman. He's missing receivers all over the place and with HH at least if he is missing receivers there is still an option to get something with his feet and he isn't going to slide 2 yards before the sticks on critical 3rd downs.,

 

[Baxter48]

Because he is at least a threat with his feet and we have multiple options. Maybe he will at least see the open receivers because Dylan isn't right now. We need some sort of spark. I'm tired of giving DR15 the excuse that he is a freshman. He's missing receivers all over the place and with HH at least if he is missing receivers there is still an option to get something with his feet and he isn't going to slide 2 yards before the sticks on critical 3rd downs.,

Didn’t he get his chance against ucla?

 

[leodisflowers]

Didn’t he get his chance against ucla?

Yep, and looked basically the same, but can at least run if things are bad. This dates back to Satt as well, but I'm just tired of seeing a decent play drawn up and our guy wide open and he doesn't even give it a look. I know there is a lot that goes on, but we've got a lot of open guys right now that he just isn't seeing or just doesn't want to pull the trigger for some reason.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Because he is at least a threat with his feet and we have multiple options. Maybe he will at least see the open receivers because Dylan isn't right now. We need some sort of spark. I'm tired of giving DR15 the excuse that he is a freshman. He's missing receivers all over the place and with HH at least if he is missing receivers there is still an option to get something with his feet and he isn't going to slide 2 yards before the sticks on critical 3rd downs.,

I agree that HH could have helped this team a lot this year, in a lot of situations too.. but the head coach and staff are a mile up the backside of the "star QB", as if he is the only thing to matter.. which is the same way Frost operated with AM. It's more than interesting that they are getting the same results.

Maybe if they treated the kid like a regular player, benched him where appropriate, we might have a lot more productivity and team unity as well.