LINCOLN — Nebraska has a new quarterback this season. You knew that.
And the Huskers have a solid pair of running backs. No news flash there, either.
But what happens when these offensive components co-exist? It means, more so even than usual, that the importance of a strong offensive line is magnified — to provide time for that QB to acclimate and holes for those backs to exploit.
NU linemen are not worried about their heightened roles.
“I'm real excited to see how everything goes this fall,” junior tackle Mike Smith said as Nebraska opened football practice during the weekend.
The Huskers have retooled up front after the departures of guard Matt Slauson and tackle Lydon Murtha. In addition, tackle Jaivorio Burkes, who started four games a year ago, is out indefinitely.
But the cupboard is far from bare.
Jacob Hickman is penciled in at center. With guard Keith Williams and Smith, the Huskers look set on the left side. Marcel Jones is the top candidate to play right tackle. Junior Ricky Henry and senior Derek Meyer are practicing at right guard, though Hickman could shift into that spot, if necessary, and leave Mike Caputo to play in the middle.
D.J. Jones and Brandon Thompson at tackle and guard Andy Christensen provide more depth.
“We need to create more depth and shore up some spots,” coach Bo Pelini said of the O-line. “Time will tell. There are a lot of question marks on the whole football team. I'm not real comfortable with anybody yet.”
As Zac Lee settles into his new role early this fall, Smith said the linemen would like nothing more than to relieve the junior QB of some heat by helping the Huskers rush the ball effectively.
“He won't think he's got to make every single play and throw for 300-plus yards every game,” Smith said.
Nebraska entered the 2008 season with a similar mind-set — to establish the run and build an offense from there. It didn't work. Four of the year's worst team rushing performances came in the first six games, including three totals under 100 yards. Things changed only after NU reversed course and worked off its passing game.
It rushed for 160 yards or more in each of the final six regular-season games to average 169.8 per outing on the ground, a respectable figure good for 37th nationally. Six of the top seven individual rushing days came in the last six games.
To play all season at such a consistent level, Williams said, “we have to hold everybody accountable and to a high level.”
The expectation of accountability began months ago. This summer, the NU linemen held regular meetings — no coaches were involved — to stay intact as a group and integrate the younger players. Hickman usually led the sessions.
“We're trying to become more of a close-knit group,” Marcel Jones said. “We want to bring the young guys along with us. That just helps to make our offensive line mesh a lot more. If we can mesh, we can do anything.”
Contact the writer:
402-473-9587, mitch.sherman@owh.com
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