As the Indiana game is just a few days away, I took some time during the Bye Week to reflect on the mid-way point of the Husker football season. Yes, we are looking at a 5-1 football team. A win is a win. But, as a football coach, I have used this system to evaluate games, seasons, etc., win or loss… I have picked one per category to discuss today so… Let’s take a look at the Good, Bad, Ugly and GREAT.
Starting with the GOOD, let’s take a closer look at Dylan Raiola. This kid has come in and not just met expectations but has truly exceeded them, even though those expectations were sky-high. I mentioned this before the season started, but what we’re witnessing from him goes beyond sheer talent; it’s his deep understanding of the game that truly sets him apart. Dylan’s mental acuity for football is impressive and evident in every game he plays. Typically, young college quarterbacks often rely on their teams to use a lot of motion to help them identify the defensive coverage, which is a common strategy for less experienced players. However, Nebraska’s approach has been noticeably different. While we do incorporate some motion, we’ve utilized it much less than the average team, especially for a freshman quarterback. This highlights Dylan’s exceptional ability to read the coverage both before and after the snap. His capability to process information quickly and accurately is remarkable for someone his age, demonstrating a level of maturity and poise that many seasoned quarterbacks might envy. It’s not just about making plays; it’s about making the right decisions under pressure. As the season progresses, it’s exciting to think about how his continued development will impact our offense and the overall success of the team. With Dylan at the helm, we have a bright future ahead, and I’m eager to see how he grows and leads us in the upcoming games.
Moving on to the BAD, I must address our offensive identity. This isn’t intended as a criticism of Marcus Satterfield; I genuinely believe he has called some fantastic games this season. However, if I were to pinpoint one area needing improvement, it would be our lack of a clearly defined offensive identity. Are we a run-first team? What is our go-to concept when the offense struggles? In football, whether at the NFL level or in youth leagues, having core concepts that a team can rely on during tough times is essential. These foundational plays serve as the backbone of the offense, providing stability when things don’t go as planned or when we need to secure a few crucial first downs. As we’ve progressed through six games, it’s become evident that we haven’t yet established that critical aspect of our identity. This inconsistency can make it challenging for our players to execute effectively under pressure. When the momentum shifts or when defenses tighten, we need to know exactly what our bread-and-butter plays are—the ones that can reliably get us back on track.That said, I firmly believe that with some thorough self-scouting and necessary adjustments, we can uncover our offensive identity as we move into the second half of the season. We’re set to face strong Big Ten defenses that will test our resilience and adaptability, so it’s crucial that we define and solidify our approach.
Let’s delve into the UGLY… and that brings us to Special Teams. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words. It has been a significant struggle for us- it’s bad, folks. The missed and blocked field goals are just part of the problem. While I didn’t want to be too harsh on the team for those, as they reflect serious execution issues, it’s crucial to understand that the snap-hold-kick operation relies heavily on the players’ execution. Yes, coaching plays a role, but ultimately, it comes down to the athletes on the field. It’s disheartening to watch sometimes, and I can honestly say that I’ve seen 2A high school teams in Kansas execute field goals better than we do at Nebraska. However, what truly frustrates me is the lack of situational awareness we’ve displayed. For instance, there have been instances when we returned kicks despite having our hands team on the field, completely unprepared and without any blocking. This kind of oversight is detrimental and speaks to a broader issue of focus and awareness in critical moments. Then there’s the delay of game penalty we incurred while backed up on our own 35-yard line, which ultimately led to a blocked punt on THE NEXT PLAY. Such mistakes are unacceptable at any level of football, especially in a competitive environment like the Big Ten. Even more glaring are the instances where our gunners have run through the back of the end zone instead of simply downing the ball. These are fundamental errors that shouldn’t happen. At this point in the season, we need to tighten our focus and improve our execution in these crucial areas. It’s imperative that we address these issues head-on and not leave points and momentum on the field every game going forward.
Lastly, let’s focus on the GREAT, and that honor undoubtedly goes to the entire Blackshirt unit. Their ability to come together, make necessary adjustments, and truly perform at a high level has been nothing short of impressive. One moment that stands out vividly in my mind is the incredible goal line stand during the Rutgers game. That was a defining moment, not just for the game but also for the legacy of defensive coordinator Tony White. It showcased the heart and determination of our players, and it will be a memory I carry with me for a long time. After a lackluster performance against Illinois, the way this defense regrouped was remarkable. They didn’t just bounce back; they adapted and improved. Their zone coverage pass-offs became significantly smoother, a testament to their hard work and dedication. It’s clear that their studying has paid off; they’re now playing with an instinctual understanding that allows them to anticipate plays and react accordingly. The chemistry within the unit is clear, and it’s thrilling to witness how they’ve rallied together. I am genuinely excited to see how this defense continues to develop as the season progresses. They have played out of their minds over the last two weeks, and we’re approaching two critical tests ahead. Their recent performances give me hope that they can maintain this momentum, and I believe they have the potential to be a game-changer for our team as we move deeper into the season. The foundation they’re building now could set us up for success in the final stretch, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish.
Let me know what your GOOD, BAD, UGLY, and GREAT pieces of the team so far have been! As always, GBR and In Rhule We Trust.
