Matt Rhule dealing with depth limitations in Nebraska’s backfield
Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule glances at the scoreboard during a timeout in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Thursday August 31, 2023 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
It’s no mystery that the Huskers are thin at running back after season-ending injuries to two rushers, and now their coach is scrambling around to make adjustments.
Matt Rhule loves to pound the football, and control the clock. The rushing attack was a key ingredient to his past success at Temple and Baylor. Rhule is trying to bring good fortune to Nebraska’s running back room, but can’t catch a break.
When it rains, it pours, and Rhule is trying to remove the program from being under a black cloud. Gabe Ervin Jr., was having a promising campaign. After all, he led the Huskers in carries and rushing yards through the first three games. His value to the offense can’t be ignored. It’s mind-boggling that a hip injury derailed all of the momentum he built up to this point.
Rahmir Johnson was the veteran of the unit, considering he’s been a Husker for five seasons, and rushed for 789 yards during that span. He averaged six yards per carry against Colorado, and gave Nebraska much-needed depth at the position. With a shoulder injury costing Johnson his junior season, the impact weighs heaving on the unit.
Nebraska’s running game has been a strength of the offense up to this point. The Huskers are currently second in the Big Ten, and 21st nationally in rushing offense. Averaging 209 yards per game will go a long way when Big Ten play resumes, and Rhule needs to iron out all of the wrinkles against Louisiana Tech this Saturday.
The first-year coach has options at running back though, despite being down two key players. Senior Anthony Grant has a ton of experience and production. He was Nebraska’s leading rusher in 2022. The former four-star prospect has had fumble issues though, so Rhule’s need to regain trust in him. Grant’s outing in the victory over Northern Illinois was encouraging, after he carried the ball seven times for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt freshman Emmett Johnson will be in the rotation too. The former three-star prospect has yet to carry the ball this season, but Rhule is high on his potential. If push comes to shove, Rhule could insert quarterback Jeff Sims at running back. Although Sims is expected to be back behind center, he’s a dynamic runner and would bring explosiveness to the position. If he can somehow get in rhythm with the pitch, Sims would be deadly in the option.
Regardless, Rhule must find ways to keep the wheels rolling. Giving the fullback a few carries should be on the table. Getting the wide receivers some plays on jet sweeps would help too. Husker fans want to see quarterback Heinrich Haarberg get some carries also. As a matter of fact, the quarterbacks must stay involved in the rushing production. Putting Sims in the Wildcat formation will keep defenses guessing.
Everyone knows an efficient rushing attack opens up the play-action pass. Defenses will be trying to stack nine in the box to stop the run, and Rhule will need to take advantage. Nebraska has been plagued by turnovers though, especially holding onto the ball. Sims, Grant and Haarberg have all lost at least one fumble this season.
Rhule knows he has a slim margin for error because of turnovers and injuries. Still, Big Red Nation is optimistic that it will all work itself out as the team approaches the meat-grinder of their schedule.
