When Dana Holgorsen was first named the new offensive coordinator for the Nebraska football team in the middle of the season, there were some fans who wandered whether the Huskers might end up being a “pass-first” offense that ignored the running game even more than it already was.
Those fears turned out to be misplaced as Holgorsen is the kind of veteran OC who understands how to use the talents of players on his roster. The running game, in fact, became an even bigger factor in NU’s approach.
Dana Holgorsen embraces run-first identity in Nebraska football offense
Earlier this week, Holgorsen met with the media for the first time during the Cornhuskers’ spring practice and made it clear that his version of the famous Air Raid offense wasn’t making a comeback in Lincoln.
"I'm not interested in my old air raid roots," the Nebraska football offensive coordinator said. "If you need to run the ball, you need to run the ball."
Holgorsen added that he’s still getting a feel for his roster and this team, but he also feels as though coming in and doing what he did in 2024 has helped him quite a bit.
"Those four games were valuable, If I would have just taken over in January, my head would be spinning. I can't explain how valuable that time was."
Most expect that with Holgorsen at the helm of the offense, Dylan Raiola in his second year of college ball, and upgrades at both the wide receiver position and wide receiver coach that the offense will be quite a bit better in 2025. Unfortunately, it’s going to be another five months until fans start seeing for sure.