Nebraska Football: Status of Dedrick Mills up in the air for Saturday

Nov 7, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Nebraska football running back is indefinite for Saturday.

As Nebraska get set to take on Purdue, one player’s status for the game is still up in the air. Running back at Dedrick Mills may or may not return to action on Saturday.

As some of you may recall, he has not played since the first half of the Penn State game. His absence has been felt a bit, as youth has taken over at the position. This has undoubtedly led to more playing time for guys like Marvin Scott and Rahmir Johnson, but it can definitely be said that their inexperience to this point has been noticeable.

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Nebraska will undoubtedly need to get a ground game going against a Purdue team that gives up 151.6 rushing yards per game. There is room for Nebraska to get things going on the ground.

When you take a look at what they did last week, they got a decent amount out of the running game. They recorded 143 rushing yards on 38 carries. Averaging 3.8 yards per rush, they were statistically better than Iowa in that category. Luke McCaffrey led the team in rushing with five carries for 42 yards. Wan’Dale Robinson also played his part, carrying the ball six times for 42 yards.

In terms of this week, Scott Frost indicated that the status of Mills is still up in the air. He also praised the younger running backs.

"‘We have had challenges, you know, is probably the right word with that there (at running back),” Frost said. “It certainly didn’t help us with having Mills nicked up. I said last week we knew we were young after him.“So we tried to fast track those guys, getting them ready. I think they’ve done a good job considering. But experience helps and their familiarity with the offense helps when you’re trying to make adjustments with and call things.”"

There is little doubt that there is a void left out there with the absence of Mills. Nebraska football certainly could use his veteran experience and leadership as they look to and their losing streak. For what it’s worth, Purdue has a rushing weapon of their own in Zander Horvath. He has carried the ball 82 times for 421 yards and two touchdowns.

I certainly hope that Mills is able to play on Saturday. He certainly gives the running attack a boost, especially when you consider the veteran leadership he brings to the position. He certainly has lifted the Nebraska football offense ever since he’s gotten here. Hopefully, he will be able to set the tone on Saturday.