In the Trenches: A Deep Dive into Nebraska’s Offensive and Defensive Lines
Football games are often won or lost in the trenches, where the physical battles between the offensive and defensive lines set the tone for the entire contest. For Nebraska, the 2024 season will hinge on the performance of these crucial units. Both the offensive and defensive lines have undergone transformations under head coach Matt Rhule, with a renewed emphasis on physicality, discipline, and toughness.
As the Cornhuskers look to establish themselves as a force in the Big Ten, their success will depend heavily on how well they control the line of scrimmage. Let’s take a closer look at the key players and expectations for Nebraska’s offensive and defensive lines in 2024.
The Offensive Line: The Foundation of the Huskers’ Attack
For Nebraska’s offense to be successful, it all starts with the offensive line. The Huskers are looking to improve in this area after several seasons of inconsistency, and Rhule has made it a priority to build a line that can dominate in both the run and pass games.
In 2024, the offensive line will be anchored by veteran players and promising newcomers who are expected to create a balanced and physical attack. The goal is simple: protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running backs, all while imposing their will on opposing defenses.
Key Players to Watch
- Turner Corcoran – Left Tackle Turner Corcoran enters the 2024 season as one of Nebraska’s most experienced offensive linemen. The 6’6”, 310-pound tackle has the size and athleticism to protect the blind side of the quarterback, making him a crucial piece of the Huskers’ pass protection scheme. Corcoran’s ability to handle edge rushers will be key to giving Nebraska’s quarterback time to make plays downfield.
- Teddy Prochazka – Right Tackle After battling injuries early in his career, Teddy Prochazka is primed to take on a larger role in 2024. At 6’10” and 320 pounds, Prochazka is a massive presence on the right side of the line. His ability to block in both the run and pass game will be crucial for Nebraska’s offensive balance. Prochazka’s return to full health has given the Huskers more stability on the line, and he is expected to be a dominant force.
- Nury Nouili – Left Guard Nury Nouili has quietly developed into one of Nebraska’s most consistent offensive linemen. As a versatile guard, Nouili excels in both run blocking and pass protection. His ability to pull and create running lanes for the backs will be critical to the Huskers’ ground game in 2024.
- Ben Scott – Center A transfer from Arizona State, Ben Scott brings leadership and experience to the center position. As the anchor of the offensive line, Scott will be responsible for making pre-snap adjustments and ensuring the line is properly aligned. His football IQ and physicality will be key to helping Nebraska’s offense operate smoothly.
- Bryce Benhart – Right Guard Bryce Benhart has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Huskers, and 2024 could be the year he fully realizes his potential. At 6’9” and 330 pounds, Benhart has the size and strength to be a dominant run blocker. If he can improve his consistency in pass protection, Benhart could be a major asset for the Huskers.
Key Focus Areas for the Offensive Line
- Improving Pass Protection One of the biggest areas of focus for the Huskers in 2024 will be improving pass protection. Nebraska’s quarterbacks have faced significant pressure in recent seasons, and the offensive line will need to step up to provide more time in the pocket. With talented pass rushers in the Big Ten, the Huskers’ tackles and guards must be ready to handle intense pressure off the edges and through the middle.
- Establishing the Run Nebraska’s offense under Rhule is expected to emphasize a balanced attack, with a heavy dose of the run game. For that to work, the offensive line must create consistent running lanes. With a stable of talented running backs, including Gabe Ervin, the Huskers are looking to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses by running the ball effectively.
- Discipline and Communication Penalties, especially false starts and holding, have plagued Nebraska’s offensive line in the past. In 2024, Rhule has emphasized the importance of discipline and communication along the line. Reducing mental mistakes and staying focused during critical moments will be essential to the team’s success.
The Defensive Line: Restoring the Blackshirts’ Dominance
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cornhuskers are looking to re-establish the Blackshirts’ tradition of toughness and physicality. The defensive line will be at the forefront of that effort, tasked with stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, and disrupting offensive plays.
Defensive coordinator Tony White has implemented a more aggressive scheme that relies on the defensive line to control the line of scrimmage. With a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, the Huskers’ defensive line is ready to take a big step forward in 2024.
Key Players to Watch
- Ty Robinson – Defensive End Ty Robinson is the heart and soul of Nebraska’s defensive line. As a veteran leader, Robinson’s experience and physicality make him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and pressure the quarterback will be critical to the success of the Blackshirts in 2024.
- Nash Hutmacher – Nose Tackle Known as “The Polar Bear,” Nash Hutmacher is a mountain of a man at 6’4” and 330 pounds. As Nebraska’s nose tackle, Hutmacher’s primary responsibility is to clog up the middle and stop the run. His ability to take on double teams and control the interior will free up linebackers to make plays.
- MJ Sherman – Edge Rusher A transfer from Georgia, MJ Sherman brings championship experience and elite athleticism to Nebraska’s defensive line. As an edge rusher, Sherman will be tasked with creating pressure off the edge and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. His speed and explosiveness will add a new dimension to Nebraska’s pass rush.
- Cameron Lenhardt – Defensive End As a rising star, Cameron Lenhardt has the potential to be a breakout player for the Huskers in 2024. His quickness and ability to get off blocks make him a dangerous pass rusher. With more experience under his belt, Lenhardt could be a key contributor to Nebraska’s defensive front.
Key Focus Areas for the Defensive Line
- Generating Pressure on the Quarterback Nebraska’s defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. In 2024, the Huskers will need to rely on their defensive line to create havoc in the backfield. With players like Sherman and Robinson leading the charge, Nebraska is looking to increase its sack totals and force opposing offenses into mistakes.
- Stopping the Run The Big Ten is known for its physical, run-heavy offenses, and Nebraska’s defensive line will need to be stout against the run. Stopping teams like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Ohio State starts with winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. The Huskers’ ability to control the line and limit rushing yards will be a key factor in their success.
- Depth and Rotations One of the strengths of Nebraska’s defensive line in 2024 is its depth. Rhule and White have emphasized the importance of rotating players to keep them fresh, especially late in games. With a deep rotation, the Huskers can maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game and wear down opposing offensive lines.
