This is an article from the LJS by Amie Just. I totally agree with her. There is more wrong here than problems with the OC.
I am not sure if everyone will be able to see this as it is behind a pay wall. I think the LJS allow a certain amount of free views per day, or something like that.
John Papenhagen
Albert Einstein reportedly defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
I think that’s where the NU offense is right now. And that means something needs to change. But what changes can they make quickly? They could switch QBs, I suppose, but I think most would agree that Raiola is the best QB on the roster, and if he gets benched I think there’s a better than 50-50 chance he would be on some other team’s roster next season.
Amie Just’s column points out that there are issues with perimeter blocking, and then notes that running screen plays into that poorly blocked perimeter seems questionable. (Einstein’s definition of insanity again.)
And they probably can’t just substitute multiple players on the OL, either, presumably the starters are the best of the bunch. Ditto with the RB corps.
So, what levers do the Huskers have to effect change? Like it or not, playcalling seems the most pullable lever. If Satt can’t or won’t change his playcalling repertoire, then maybe a change of playcallers is justifiable. I think that’s the quandary that Rhule is facing right now.
And looking down the road, what options does the AD have for 2025 and beyond? Firing the coach is pretty much it, and we’re back to Einstein’s definition of insanity again.
BTW, the Bears also are struggling on offense with a QB who might be a generational talent. And the fans in Chicago are pinning the blame on the coaches as well, starting with the OC and then working up the org chart.
If I were the HC and had an OC I couldn’t control or wouldn’t listen to what I have to say he wouldn’t be the OC going very long. The OC shouldn’t be out there on a island operating on his own.
I always remember when Lane Kiffen was the OC at Alabama and the many times Saban was in Kiffen’s face on the sideline. There was no doubt who was in charge. Basically, if a person was the OC at Alabama under Saban it would be Saban’s way or the highway. It should be the same thing at UNL under Rhule. There should be no question who is in charge.
I understand a HC has to give his coordinators some leeway but there should be a point where the HC steps in if he needs to. In other words Rhule shouldn’t have to give the play calling duties to someone else because he can’t control his OC.
John Papenhagen
FSU was snubbed by the playoffs last season and is 1-9 after yesterday’s loss to Notre Dame. (They’re the opposite of Indiana, which has improved to 10-0 for the first time in school history.)
Coach Mike Norvell might not make it to next season, but today he fired his OC, his DC and his WR coach.
Coach Rhule might at some point have to choose between loyalty to his staff and meeting the expectations of his employer and the fans. But IMHO SOMETHING has to change or this team is going 0 for November–again.