Being a Husker Football fan as long as we all have been, you grow accustomed to the noise. There's always rumors swirling. Millions of what-if scenarios being contemplated after each and every week. 25-consecutive offseason championships. And, you can bet that everyone's opinion will be voiced. Well, that's what comes with being the only show in town. The spotlight is always bright. But with that also comes the most loyal fanbase in all of college football. Through thick and thin, this fanbase has remained steadfast in our love for the Scarlet and Cream.
However, in the midst of yet another three game skid, you can't help but sense the feeling of fatigue in Husker Nation. I would argue that even in coach Matt Rhule's recent press conferences you can sense that in his demeanor. Rhule has consistently spoke on the team's need to move past the feeling of "here we go again," but anyone who's a fan, hell, anyone who has followed college football the past decade looks at the current state of Nebraska football and that is the exact sentiment surrounding the program.
Then Matt Rhule stepped to the podium Monday morning, and he dropped a bomb. For the life of me, I can't think of any situation, college or pro, when a coordinator was replaced in season with someone from outside the program. Everyone knew there was a new guy in town to look under the proverbial hood of Nebraska's offense. Everyone knew his pedigree as an offensive mind. Sure, the writing was on the wall that Satterfield was going to be done as the offensive coordinator at the end of the season. Or at least I thought so. But never did I think Rhule would make a move in season, let alone go out and replace him with an outsider who has been with the team a week. Stagehands...Cue the curtains. It's Dana Mania! Hollywood can't even write this shit.
Everyone who follows college football knows the name Dana Holgorsen. It's synonymous with high flying offense. Something we haven't seen in Lincoln in a very, very long time. Now it's not the first time he was on the radar of Husker Nation. Try and remember way back to the offseason (it feels like years ago now) when Dana was in Lincoln. Well, at that time, it felt like maybe he would be in an analyst role, coming off his head coaching stint at Houston. Maybe he would be tasked with developing the young Dylan Raiola. But, did anyone have him returning as the OC and play caller in week 12 on their bingo card? Not a chance. Hindsight being what it is, it seems that maybe there was more to those visits than anyone ever knew. Maybe someone liked him more than a friend? Call me a moron, I definitely am one, but I fully expected the offense to take a leap this year. My Ouija board did not reveal an offense struggling to the point of an in season OC replacement, that is for sure.
So why doesn't it seem like Husker Nation is panicked? Relieving a coordinator of his duties in season is generally a cause for concern. Well, a lot of it has to do with the head man. It bears repeating, In Rhule We Trust. This move shows the fanbase, his team, the entire college football world that he is here to win and do whatever it takes. He showed me in particular that he isn't going to be another coach that falls into the trap of blind loyalty, even when the standard isn't being met. Holgorsen is arguably the best, most experienced, most proven offensive coordinator hired at the University of Nebraska. In the midst of what could be another sub-standard year, could this be the spark, maybe even the turning point that will finally move Husker Football into a new era?
Well, luckily for us all, we get a Lincoln Riley and his fighting USC Trojans on Saturday afternoon. Toe meets leather at 3:00pm central standard time. It's a turning point, however, Husker Nation can't pretend that the wheel is going to be reinvented with the installation of Dana Holgorsen and a bye week, but what are some of the things the Huskers need to do in order to pass the USC pop quiz?
Find the Intermediate Passing Game - So often this year, it seems like the Huskers passing game consists of horizontal passes, deep shots down the sidelines, or a deep feathered ball over the middle. Can we please try to find Dylan Raiola some quick hitting five to seven yard passes? Some easy completions. Let the young man get into some kind of rhythm back there. Get the ball out of his hands quick and see what happens.
Be Fast off the Blocks - Dose of honesty. These are two programs going up against each other that have what can be considered fragile psyches. USC has benched starting QB Miller Moss in favor of Jayden Maiava, the transfer from UNLV, looking to spark the 4-5 team, in what many would consider a disappointing year for the Trojans. If the Huskers can find a way to get out in front and out in front fast, they may be able to break the will of the Trojans and bring a much needed win back with them to Lincoln.
Muddy the Waters - As mentioned, it will be the first start for Jayden Maiava at USC. He started 11 games for UNLV last year, but it has been nearly a full year since he took starting snaps at the collegiate level. We've had a bye week to prepare. The Blackshirts need to make life difficult for him. Show a look pre-snap and a different one post snap. Bring some exotic pressures. Do whatever is necessary, but don't let him settle into the game quickly. The Trojans are undoubtedly talented and have some incredible skill players. Don't let him get them the ball easily. Rattle the cage and maybe steal a couple of possessions.
Adjust - Please, for the love of all that is holy, at the end of this game, I do not want to hear that they did things the Huskers weren't prepared for, or didn't see on film. It is going to happen. Lincoln Riley has had two weeks to prepare, and like him or not, the man can scheme and coach up some offense. Be ready Blackshirts. Lincoln Riley is probably feeling backed into a corner right now. Don't let him off the ropes.
Bring the Juice - A new offensive coordinator. A flint to the fire? Can the team provide the spark to ignite the crowd? Reports have it sounding like a herd of Husker fans will be in LA. Let's make it feel like an away game in their own stadium.
Another big game for the Huskers. Another big opportunity. Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Get bowl eligibility taken care of. Then lets see what happens the rest of the year. It won't be easy. USC is a talented team, regardless of what the record says. But, I predicted 8-4 this year, and I am sticking with my guns. It's still out there baby! Let's just hope we are living in the universe where that happens. The head man made an unprecedented move this past week. I am, and I think all of Husker Nation is itching to see what a fresh set of play calling eyes can provide this team. Don't expect wholesale changes on that side of the ball, but what I think you can expect is a renewed pep in the offensive step of this team, maybe a little more play calling creativity, and maybe, just maybe, a couple glimpses into what the future of Husker football could look like.
IF WE DIE, WE DIE
Good writeup. Holgorsen gives me just enough reason for optimism for next year. However, it is unacceptable to waste a defense with so many returning veteran starters and even one year of a five star qb in this fashion (if Rhule had doubts about Satt before the season started and when he met w Holgorsen in the winter, it’s unfortunate to have not found a way to make it happen then) - so my trust in Rhule is admittedly shaky at best.
The sense of inevitable dread I feel every time I turn on a Husker game these past few years is the new norm. What phase of the game will let us down? What new and creative way can we self-sabotage this week? I can say one thing for certain after the USC game, at least it was new...didn't have deflection off of defensive players face for a reception (2x and once for a touchdown) on my weekly bingo card!