In a discussion with Sam McKewon from the Omaha World-Herald on Hurrdat Sports Radio, the spotlight is on Nebraska’s ongoing struggles as they navigate a challenging season. Hosts Ravi Lulla and Damon Benning explore what McKewon believes to be Nebraska’s core issue: an identity crisis, especially on offense.
Offensive Struggles and Inconsistencies
McKewon points out Nebraska’s lack of clarity in their offensive strategy. While it’s clear that Nebraska wants to focus on running the football and leveraging play-action passes, the execution has been inconsistent. According to McKewon, blocking issues remain a significant problem, with players failing to break tackles or sustain blocks, especially on the perimeter. This lack of execution disrupts the offense’s ability to establish its identity.
“There were moments where you didn’t see much progress,” McKewon noted. He explains that even when Nebraska ran 40 plays in the second half against Indiana, they failed to score. For McKewon, this speaks to deeper issues in execution, not just scheme.
Confidence and Mental Resilience
Another pressing concern, highlighted by McKewon and echoed by the coaching staff, is the mental state of the team. Defensive coordinator Tony White references how players let their heads drop after mistakes, signaling a need to address mental resilience as much as physical execution. Nebraska’s defense struggles to stay competitive, especially when faced with early deficits, further compounding their mental battle on the field.
McKewon emphasizes the importance of Nebraska understanding who they are, particularly offensively. “You need to figure out who you want to be on offense and stick with that, regardless of the situation,” he explains.
Nebraska’s Identity Crisis
Lulla and Benning discuss whether Nebraska should focus on emotional recovery or tactical adjustments, particularly in the wake of lopsided defeats. McKewon believes the team’s identity crisis stems from both mental and physical components. Despite moments of improvement, there’s a need for consistent execution. “It’s not just about heart, but about blocking and tackling,” he states, suggesting that while effort is there, the basics of football are not being executed well enough to consistently win games.
Challenges Ahead: Ohio State Looms Large
Looking ahead, McKewon acknowledges the monumental task Nebraska faces against Ohio State. Despite potential improvements in their play, Nebraska could still find themselves down by significant margins through no fault of their own. As McKewon puts it, “You could get down 17-0 real fast, and through no particular fault of your own.” Even if Nebraska executes better, they may not have enough to keep up with powerhouse programs like Ohio State.
Building Around a Young Quarterback
A critical point McKewon raises is the development of Nebraska’s young quarterback, Dylan Raiola. While acknowledging his strong arm, McKewon stresses that Raiola is not a running quarterback like some of his peers, which changes how Nebraska needs to build around him. “He’s not going to become Caleb Williams,” McKewon states, pointing out that Raiola’s strengths lie in his passing ability, and Nebraska must craft an offense that plays to those strengths while surrounding him with capable talent.
McKewon concludes that Nebraska must accept that Raiola will face growing pains as a true freshman quarterback and must provide better support around him, particularly in terms of blocking and playmaking.
Defensive Considerations
While much of the discussion focuses on offense, the defense also garnered attention. McKewon highlights concern about mental resilience on defense, particularly after players reference feeling down after bad plays. He acknowledges that while Nebraska has seasoned players, they may need to explore giving younger players a chance, especially those without the emotional baggage from past failures.
Lastly, McKewon emphasizes that Nebraska’s path forward requires both mental toughness and better execution across the board. The upcoming games against powerhouse teams will provide the ultimate test for a team still searching for its true identity.
