Heinrich Haarberg is reportedly getting his second career start for Nebraska football against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Nebraska football fans spent all week debating whether Heinrich Haarberg or Jeff Sims should start the Huskers’ fourth game of the season. Towards the end of the week, it seemed as though signs were pointing to the Georgia Tech transfer getting his job back.
However, on Saturday morning, Pete Thamel indicated the Huskers moved in a different direction. The ESPN reporter posted on social media that Haarberg is getting his second start of the season and his career.
Interestingly enough, if Thamel’s report is correct, it means that Nebraska football’s tilt against LaTech will feature two backup quarterbacks. The Bulldogs are said to be going with Redshirt sophomore Jack Turner after he stepped in last week for Louisiana Tech after starter Boise State transfer Hank Bachmeier injured his throwing shoulder.
Sources: Heinrich Haarberg will start again this week at QB for Nebraska, with Jeff Sims available but not 100-percent (ankle). Louisiana Tech's Jack Turner will make his first career start at QB at Nebraska, as Hank Bachmeier (shoulder) is only available as an emergency…
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 23, 2023
Nebraska football makes the right move
While Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield have been encouraged by Jeff Sims’ practice this week, Haarberg seems like the best call for today.
A large part of Nebraska football’s offense has been the quarterback run. Haarberg carried the ball 21 times against Northern Illinois last week. Jeff Sims ran the ball an average of 14.5 times per game in his two starts.
If the Huskers’ opening-day starter’s ankle isn’t 100 percent, it doesn’t make much sense to have him out on the field unless he absolutely needs to be. Especially since the loss of two running backs last week means that the quarterback position could be an even bigger part of the offense.
There is also a very big chance that weather conditions mean that the playing field will be far from ideal. It seems unlikely the Nebraska football coaches would rather not see Sims running around on a gimpy ankle on a slick field.
If the report is correct, and Heinrich Haarberg does get his second straight start, one thing seems likely. The Nebraska football quarterback controversy will only have more fuel added to the fire.