Finally got to rewatch the game

[ShortSideOption]

Damon Benning seemed pretty meh on EJ’s performance. Sounds like he left a lot of yards out there.

I'd agree there. But also part of me wonders if something was drilled in his head all camp and spring of following the blocks. There's some "vision" that needs to be taken into account with elite RBs. While I don't think EJ is elite, I think he could get more yards with "feel".

 

[Blakejc]

Do you really think the Nebraska media will ask such questions? Ha ha there isn't a more ball less and scared bunch in the state.

I bet you’ll see it asked. It might be framed as backup rb carries, EJs workload, or if that’s the ideal rb rotation, but Rhule will know what’s really being asked. And I bet he gives a straight answer.

 

[ShortSideOption]

This is coping.

They're the 7th or 8th best team on the schedule. They're a middle of the pack big 12 team. That doesn't mean we'll lose 7 games but that team is not good. Not bad but certainly not good.

I'd agree... reminds me of when we lost to Northwestern in Ireland and people said "that could be a really good team" and weren't we their only win?

I do think they are going to be a middle of the road Big12 team, but some of their strengths were our weaknesses.

 

[vailhusker]

The RB room is the one that I just don't get, they very much needed to bring someone in, and when the NDSU guy ended up going elsewhere we just threw up the white flag and moved Mozee there.

DL I feel like we tried to get people here but it's really tough to replace Nash and Ty, I get that. I wish we could have found a guy similar to them in the portal, but they probably are extremely expensive.

Should have loosened up the purse strings and paid Dowdell what he wanted even if it meant paying EJ more. Same situation with CharMar. Dean kept saying you can't pay him more than your starter, well give your starter a raise then.

As for DT if it's a need then you have to go and spend the money. They had the money for Nwaneri but DT was a critical need too.

The head scratcher for me was that everyone that was paying attention in offseason saw the need and it was barely addressed.

OL was disappointing for the experience and money spent there.

Luckily they have a couple weeks to get things worked out. OL should be fine. Get the young RBs more reps. More reps at DT (maybe it wasn't such a good idea to redshirt RVP last year). Move to more of a 4 front with Jeudy and RVP in at the same time? Try and get some of the bigger guys involved Parrott 6'5 320, Lefotu 6'3 300, or Davidson 6'4 305?

 

[ShortSideOption]

I agree, not a good sign. And most likely a pass blocking issue, but the RB rotation probably deserves a question at tomorrows PC. Holgo said we’d see all three early and often. We need some clarity on why the reps were what they were and if they see EJ being a 25-30+ touch guy per game.

I think the inexperience is another reason that us not going to the portal is perplexing to me. At minimum go get someone that has played college football before. I reference this a lot, but Oregon grabbed Northwest Missouri State's All-American RB to come be 4th string for them so they could just get experience.

 

[TampaBaySkers]

I'd agree... reminds me of when we lost to Northwestern in Ireland and people said "that could be a really good team" and weren't we their only win?

I do think they are going to be a middle of the road Big12 team, but some of their strengths were our weaknesses.

lol I didn’t hear anyone say nw was a good team. Everyone just made fun of frost for the onside kick. Cincy started off pretty strong last year but fell apart. I could see them winning 7 games, maybe steal another one.

 

[ShortSideOption]

This x100

I love long methodical drives as much as the next guy. Helps the defense a lot, and situationally it’s great to burn some clock. But if we can reduce some of the wear and tear on the skill guys that will absolutely pay dividends. Especially against a team like Cincy where every player is taught to ballistic missile straight into the ball carrier’s knees.

But if they are 3 safeties high and we have Johnson as our RB with not elite speed, how can we do that? Cincy was basically keeping everything in front of them.

What worries me is if Michigan does something similar and EJ is getting 1-2 yards per carry instead of 3-4. Because the Wolverines can handle our WRs with their DBs.

 

[vailhusker]

Damon Benning seemed pretty meh on EJ’s performance. Sounds like he left a lot of yards out there.

DB is a big Nelson guy so we'll see if that can come to fruition with more reps.

 

[ShortSideOption]

Should have loosed up the purse strings and paid Dowdell what he wanted even if it meant paying EJ more. Same situation with CharMar. Dean kept saying you can't pay him more than your starter, well give your starter a raise then.

As for DT if it's a need then you have to go and spend the money. They had the money for Nwaneri but DT was a critical need too.

The head scratcher for me was that everyone that was paying attention in offseason saw the need and it was barely addressed.

OL was disappointing for the experience and money spent there.

Luckily they have a couple weeks to get things worked out. OL should be fine. Get the young RBs more reps. More reps at DT (maybe it wasn't such a good idea to redshirt RVP last year). Move to more of a 4 front with Jeudy and RVP in at the same time? Try and get some of the bigger guys involved Parrott 6'5 320, Lefotu 6'3 300, or Davidson 6'4 305?

I will tell you, I think we had to make a decision between Dowdell, CharMar, and Johnson, not only from a starter aspect but for money elsewhere.

The Mozee hire, we paid guys like Nwaneri, Merritt, his son, we were overextended a bit for those guys. DT needed to be a major focus. I'd actually argue I'd rather grab a Rocco Spindler type at DT as opposed to him at OG, we are stacked on the interior OL.

Agree on everyone seeing it but nothing really happening.

Agree on last paragraph.

 

[TampaBaySkers]

But if they are 3 safeties high and we have Johnson as our RB with not elite speed, how can we do that? Cincy was basically keeping everything in front of them.

What worries me is if Michigan does something similar and EJ is getting 1-2 yards per carry instead of 3-4. Because the Wolverines can handle our WRs with their DBs.

lol New Mexico top two backs averaged 3.6 yards against Michigan’s D

 

[Huskers633]

I'm glad to see you point out the timeout called on 4th and 7. I'm very much in on Rhule, but his game/clock management miscues have drove me nuts since he's been here. When that timeout was called I yelled "what the fuck are you doing?" at the tv. We had them on their heels, they had no answer besides hoping Soresby could get lose and scramble. Instead we gave them a chance to draw something up and they did. After they got the first down I yelled "fuck you Rhule" at the tv. To say I was furious at the timeout call and when they converted is an understatement.

 

[JerryBones5]

This is coping.

They're the 7th or 8th best team on the schedule. They're a middle of the pack big 12 team. That doesn't mean we'll lose 7 games but that team is not good. Not bad but certainly not good.We will rehash this conversation later on in the season.

not saying based off their talent that they’re the fourth or fifth hardest game I’m saying based off the circumstances of it being a week 1 game, ample time to prepare, and the defensive scheme. We can rehash this conversation later on in the year and see how they are doing. If they’re bad ill eat my crow.

 

[ShortSideOption]

lol I didn’t hear anyone say nw was a good team. Everyone just made fun of frost for the onside kick. Cincy started off pretty strong last year but fell apart. I could see them winning 7 games, maybe steal another one.

It was more just coping that "maybe Northwestern is better than we think" on message boards.

I like Cincy this year, I hope I'm not coping.

 

[ShortSideOption]

lol New Mexico top two backs averaged 3.6 yards against Michigan’s D

Not sure what you are getting at?

 

[ShortSideOption]

I'm glad to see you point out the timeout called on 4th and 7. I'm very much in on Rhule, but his game/clock management miscues have drove me nuts since he's been here. When that timeout was called I yelled "what the fuck are you doing?" at the tv. We had them on their heels, they had no answer besides hoping Soresby could get lose and scramble. Instead we gave them a chance to draw something up and they did. After they got the first down I yelled "fuck you Rhule" at the tv. To say I was furious at the timeout call and when they converted is an understatement.

I'm way in on Rhule, he's who we need. I don't get what we were doing there. Then when they converted I was even more pissed.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

this is a good thread from Michael Rose-Ivey breaking down some of the defensive plays

 

[vailhusker]

I will tell you, I think we had to make a decision between Dowdell, CharMar, and Johnson, not only from a starter aspect but for money elsewhere.

The Mozee hire, we paid guys like Nwaneri, Merritt, his son, we were overextended a bit for those guys. DT needed to be a major focus. I'd actually argue I'd rather grab a Rocco Spindler type at DT as opposed to him at OG, we are stacked on the interior OL.

Agree on everyone seeing it but nothing really happening.

Agree on last paragraph.

I was thinking the same on Rocco, great to have him, but if money was tight then it could have been spent elsewhere.

If money is tight that's fine but I'm tired of hearing from the Deans of the world how much money NU has one minute and then not having enough to pay for an RB or DT the next.

 

[TampaBaySkers]

Not sure what you are getting at?

You think EJ will only avg 1.5 yards against Mich while New Mexico RBs (a very shitty team) averaged 3.6. Does your wife beat you? I’m getting battered husband vibes from you.

 

[Irv]

I agree, not a good sign. And most likely a pass blocking issue, but the RB rotation probably deserves a question at tomorrows PC. Holgo said we’d see all three early and often. We need some clarity on why the reps were what they were and if they see EJ being a 25-30+ touch guy per game.

I think after the couple of touches they had, they knew that putting them on the field would allow Cincy’s defense to beg us to run the ball.

There is no world in which EJ should be on the field for 69 of 78 offensive snaps.

 

[Irv]

I'm glad to see you point out the timeout called on 4th and 7. I'm very much in on Rhule, but his game/clock management miscues have drove me nuts since he's been here. When that timeout was called I yelled "what the fuck are you doing?" at the tv. We had them on their heels, they had no answer besides hoping Soresby could get lose and scramble. Instead we gave them a chance to draw something up and they did. After they got the first down I yelled "fuck you Rhule" at the tv. To say I was furious at the timeout call and when they converted is an understatement.

On McAfee, Rhule mentioned that JoBu asked for the timeout so he gave it to him.

Maybe that’s just throwing him under the bus, but that seems like a very nfl move.