What will Nebraska's run-pass balance be like in the opener against Northwestern?

Asked by Husker Max

8/26/2022

What will Nebraska's run-pass balance be like in the opener against Northwestern?

49%

More runs than passes.

51%

More passes than runs. WINNER

49%

More runs than passes.

6 Comments

Wade Williams

First game is always vanilla on offense. They will try to establish the run with basic run formations.

Robert Lloyd

Slightly more runs than passes... if we are smart. Or it's going to be a long year.

Nat Warren

Oline should dominate a transfer portal depleted Northwestern front and get the practice running the ball that is needed to win in the BIG.

Man who stares at Q-functions

They will play to win. The way to win is to grind Northwestern down.

Dalynn Parks

I feel we should get a somewhat comfortable lead and start grinding out 1st downs via the run game. But if Oline under-performs and forgets to show up? All bets are off.

Mick Hanson

Show off our running back talent, as they won't stop us by the end of the game.

51%

More passes than runs.

6 Comments

Ryan Moss

You typically pass a lot more when you’re playing from behind.

Doug Einsel

It will likely be balanced, but slightly more runs. Whipple likes running.

Jory Knowlton

Whips will probably stick to a 54/46 ratio. I know they will be seeking as much balance as possible. An early lead would help balance things back to near 50/50. Early on as they go on attack, I think it may start out close to 60/40.

Brad Meister

because the coaches are idiots...run the damn ball

Randy Weitzenkamp

It'll be pretty close to a 50/50 split, but I'll give the slight edge to the run game. From what I've read our run blocking is better than our pass blocking right now. Much like the TO days I can envision a run heavy 1st & 2nd down to avoid 3rd and longs.

Jim Firnhaber

There will be swing passes and screens that will act as substitutes for runs, loosen up the D and spread the defense.

What should define Nebraska’s running back room heading into 2026?

Asked by Husker Max

2 months left

What should define Nebraska’s running back room heading into 2026?

69%

One clear feature back One clear feature back

31%

A situational committee A situational committee

69%

One clear feature back

3 Comments

David Weaver

Feature back is important to have but DEPTH is also CRITICAL. If don't have a feature back then either then depth chart is flooded with talent. But in the Big Ten you better have a GREAT 2nd and 3rd string to make it through the season. With EJ it helped he was so quick he didn't take huge hits

Terry Barker

Nebraska was always most stable when we had a feature back that can actually "carry" the team with his legs.

Ron Joseph

Nebraska in the past was successful with one top back. We've fallen on hard times because we haven't developed or recruited a great back. But the others need to be developed so we have a pipeline of backs like we use to have.

31%

A situational committee

4 Comments

Thomas Wright

Roger Craig & Tom Rathman ring a bell ? Not only a dynamic duo playing for NU, but also for the 49ers !! YES we want multiple RB’s to rotate in & out to keep their legs fresh!! GBR 🎈

SEW

Look at the success in the playoff, the teams have 2-3 capable RB's they use to keep them healthy and offer the D different looks. Johnson was unique, most backs can't take that many snaps a season and stay healthy and sharp.

PJ SAid

Every good team, including the NFL, will rotate backs on a regular basis. This last year Nebraska should have used a 2nd running back more often - NEB is lucked out EJ stayed healthy.