Huskers running game in spotlight for Week 4
Nebraska comes into their Week 4 match up with Southern Mississippi, ready to get the ground attack going. In three games, the Huskers running game is averaging 179 yards per contest. It’s not the dominance some fans are used to, but the Huskers are producing 5.1 yards per carry in September. However, the Huskers running game has only mustered four touchdowns this season. Simply, it’s not good enough. Nebraska gave away two interceptions at the goal line last week. If that doesn’t put a spotlight on the Huskers running game, nothing will.
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
In previous years, four rushing touchdowns would have been a good night for the Huskers. Instead of using the “ground n pound’ method, Nebraska is way more concerned with having the passing game flourish. Therefore, the running game has been put on the back burner for now. Some of the Husker ball carriers have had their opportunities to produce, but they haven’t had the chance to dominate the game as a unit this season.
Coming into the season, offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf talked about having five running backs on the active roster. Following the BYU loss, Nebraska was ready to shorten the I-back rotation. Those numbers haven’t turned this new Nebraska offense into a running team at all. They still average 35 carries per game, but it wouldn’t hurt to increase it to 40. It might be the perfect number for the Huskers running game.
Terrell Newby
We know Terrell Newby gained 198 yards on 28 carries against South Alabama, but his production was cut in half during the Miami game. With only 14 carries against the Canes, Nebraska never imposed their will through the running game. Imani Cross carried the ball four times, while the rest of the I-backs were nonexistent. They still averaged 4.8 yards per rush, but the Huskers running game was helped out by Tommy Armstrong’s mobility. He gained 49 yards on 11 carries.
Officially, the Huskers had 32 carries last week, yet three of those opportunities were by wide receivers Brandon Reilly, and Alonzo Moore. Both players have been involved all season. Combined, Reilly and Moore have eight carries for 70 yards. Using jet sweeps and bubble screens, Nebraska likes to get the ball on the perimeter, but physicality should be the order of the day for the Big Red.
In addition, they’ve yet to break a long play for a touchdown this season. It would be great to see Newby escape for a 60 yard touchdown run, but it may not be in his nature to make those plays. Although Newby shows a great burst out of the backfield, his longest career touchdown run is 43 yards. He hasn’t come close to breaking the mark this season.
More from Nebraska Cornhuskers News
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Matt Rhule support strong, more
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Marcus Satterfield’s prayers, volleyball viewers, more
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Harper Murray kills in sweep, another B1G scandal, more
- DraftKings CFB Promo: Bet $5 on Nebraska vs. Colorado, Win $200 Bonus!
This is where Mikale Wilbon comes to the forefront. Wilbon seems to have a special talent with the ball in his hands, but the coaching staff has been hesitant to let him loose. He didn’t earn any carries against Miami because Nebraska fell down by 17 points in the first quarter. Wilbon has nine carries for 35 yards this season, while playing the third string I-back for the Huskers. The 3.9 yards per carry isn’t great, but the potential to explode on defenses should be too much to ignore. If Wilbon is able to give the Huskers a big play, it’s no longer right to keep him on the sidelines.
After all, it’s about winning, and the Huskers have come up short twice. There’s no question the Huskers running game can make a difference in the outcome.