The Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up for their season opener against Ohio on September 5th, with just three weeks until game day. Head coach Matt Rhule and his staff are using the remaining practices to assess the team's progress and fine-tune their strategy. The recent scrimmage provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and areas for improvement.
One of the key takeaways from the scrimmage was the performance of the running backs. Rhule praised their overall execution, highlighting their ability to handle blitzes, secure catches out of the backfield, and run effectively. This is particularly encouraging given the competition at the position, with Mekhi Nelson, Jamal Rule, and Isaiah Mozee emerging as top contenders. The quarterbacks, including Anthony Colandrea, also received high marks from Rhule for their performance.
However, Rhule was quick to point out that there is still much work to be done. He emphasized the importance of improving snap counts, cadences, shifts, motions, and communication on defense. The tackling will be a critical area of focus, as it was the team's first opportunity to demonstrate their ability to knock opponents to the ground. Rhule also highlighted the need for players to be able to make people miss and run through contact effectively.
The team's effort and coachability have been positive aspects of the camp, but Rhule stressed that the real test lies in their execution between the snaps. The upcoming week will be crucial in assessing the team's depth and execution, and Rhule plans to continue refining their situational play-calling. He hinted at the possibility of another big scrimmage next week, depending on how the week progresses.
The presence of Sue Darlington, the wife of the late former Husker coach George Darlington, at the scrimmage added a special touch. Her attendance was a testament to the enduring legacy of the program and the impact it has on the community. Additionally, the graduation of Gunnar Gottula, a Lincoln native, and the participation of Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson in the scrimmage showcased the program's ability to attract and develop talent.
Injury updates included short-term injuries to Caleb Benning and Gage Stenger. On a positive note, wide receiver Demitrius Bell made a promising return to individual work after a long recovery from a non-contact injury. Rhule expressed enthusiasm for Bell's potential contributions to the team.
As the dog days of camp approach, Rhule and his staff will continue to refine their strategy and assess the team's progress. With the season opener looming, the focus will be on improving execution and situational play-calling. The remaining practices will be crucial in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
