Today on Hurrdat Sports Radio, Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald joined Hurrdat Sports Radio joins hosts Ravi Lulla and Damon Benning to dive into Nebraska athletics, focusing on Nebraska basketball’s recent win, the continued dominance of Nebraska volleyball and the changes to the Nebraska football program’s coaching staff changes.
Nebraska Basketball: Bouncing Back with a Statement
Following a tough loss to Michigan State, Nebraska men’s basketball bounced back in a decisive win against Indiana. McKewon emphasizes that while the result wasn’t surprising, it showcased the team’s ability to adapt and execute under head coach Fred Hoiberg.
“They have games where they can score,” McKewon says, noting Nebraska’s ability to make shots and get to the free-throw line. The team’s depth is also a benefit, but there is still the ongoing need to fine-tune roles, particularly in the frontcourt.
Hoiberg’s squad has strong individual performers, with Brice Williams and sharpshooter Connor Essegian standing out when they get going. However, McKewon notes that the team’s success hinges on its consistency and development. “If they get to 10-10 in the Big Ten and pick up a couple wins in Hawaii, they’re on the bubble,” he explains, suggesting a possible 18 to 19-win season could leave them fighting for an NCAA tournament bid.
McKewon also highlights the challenge of Big Ten basketball this year, calling it a “tougher league” with deeper rosters. Programs like Oregon and UCLA joining the Big Ten and teams like Michigan picking up a new coach to make them a contender again will make the Big Ten tough.
Nebraska Volleyball: A Powerhouse Program
Husker volleyball picked up another dominating win against Wisconsin in the elite eight of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the final four. “The challenge of beating a team as talented as Nebraska is like trying to beat Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic in a five-set match,” McKewon says. With elite talent across the roster, Nebraska has created an environment where even a “below-average performance in a match” can still result in a win.
John Cook, Nebraska’s legendary head coach, continues to find success not only by recruiting top-tier players but by creating a culture of excellence. McKewon gave credit to players like Merritt Beason for her leadership and Kennedi Orr for her commitment to the program.
Looking ahead, McKewon identifies Penn State as Nebraska’s biggest threat in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With two former Nebraska players on Penn State’s roster, the matchup promises to be a competitive match.
“If Nebraska beats Penn State, I think they’ll win the national title,” McKewon says confidently, citing Nebraska’s mental toughness and experience as deciding factors.
Nebraska Football: Staff Changes Improve the Program
Finally, McKewon touches on the changes within Nebraska’s football coaching staff. With the promotion and additions on the defensive side of the ball, along with keeping Dana Holgorsen as the offensive coordinator.
The offensive side of the ball for Nebraska football needed to be resolved and addressed; “Holgorsen is a huge add,” he says. The program’s improvements on paper gives Nebraska fans reason for optimism heading into the next season.
Listen to Hurrdat Sports Radio live Monday thru Friday 7am – 10am, click here for tomorrow’s show.
