Today on Hurrdat Sports Radio, hosts Ravi Lulla and Damon Benning are joined by guest Michael Bruntz of Husker247. As Nebraska football closes in on the end of the season, the Huskers look to continue navigating through challenges and adjustments to finish their season with a bowl game.
A Fresh Perspective on Offense
Bruntz highlights the changes brought by Dana Holgorsen, a seasoned coach with a background with wide receivers who is looking to turn the Huskers’ offensive performance around. His leadership has infused new energy and structure, evident in the offense’s improved tempo and mechanical efficiency during the game against USC. Bruntz observes that, despite limited preparation time, Nebraska’s offensive unit demonstrated notable cohesion and adaptability under Holgorsen’s guidance.
The discussion also dives into the importance of “fresh eyes” in coaching, with Holgorsen’s direct approach offering a stark contrast to his predecessors. The hosts agree that this shift could help unlock the potential of emerging players, like Jaylen Lloyd and Jacory Barney Jr., while emphasizing that not all previous coaching methods were flawed.
Defensive Struggles and Mental Resilience
Nebraska’s defense, typically a point of strength, has shown signs of inconsistency. The conversation notes that lapses in secondary coverage and lack of sustained edge-setting against teams like USC have raised concerns. Bruntz describes the defense as occasionally lacking the “swagger” and confidence necessary for high-level performance, particularly against Big Ten opponents.
The psychological toll these struggles could have on players suggests that the defense may need to reassess its approach to reclaim its identity and consistency. The upcoming game against Wisconsin presents an opportunity for the defense to recalibrate and address these challenges to finish out the season.
Looking Ahead to Wisconsin
As Nebraska prepares for Wisconsin, there are intriguing parallels between the two programs. Wisconsin, also grappling with instability, enters the matchup without a defined offensive coordinator. This unpredictability could test Nebraska’s ability to adapt mid-game. Bruntz speculates on Wisconsin’s strategy, joking about a “bingo tumbler” approach to play-calling, while emphasizing the importance of Nebraska’s defensive flexibility.
Offensively, Bruntz is optimistic about Nebraska’s chances of exploiting Wisconsin’s vulnerabilities in the run game. Nebraska showed glimpses of an effective ground attack against USC and will look to build on that progress this week.
The Impact of Coaching Changes
The group acknowledged the void left by the departed Evan Cooper’s commanding presence and its ripple effects on both players and staff dynamics. Holgorsen’s arrival may address some of these gaps, but Bruntz stresses the difficulty of integrating a new voice late in the season.
Finally, the discussion underscores the complex interplay between leadership, player morale and tactical adjustments as Nebraska aims to finish the season strong. With Wisconsin up next, all eyes will be on whether the Huskers can translate their potential into consistent on-field success.
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