Nebraska Football: Four challenges facing Mike Riley’s first year with Cornhuskers

Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive lineman Alex Lewis (71) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Challenge Three: Will the Interior of the Offensive Line Hold Up?

The offensive line loses three solid and consistent starters in Mark Pelini, Jake Cotton and Mike Moudy. Left Tackle Alex Lewis is back, as is Zach Sterup at right tackle.

The three new starters will be left guard Dylan Utter, center Ryne Reeves and right guard Chongo Kondolo.

The turnover combined with having to learn all new schemes is a lot to ask from a unit. The best thing it has going for it probably is that OL coach Mike Cavanaugh is a great teacher and can compensate for some of that inexperience.

Cavanaugh will seek to impart stability to the unit, a group that really hated not knowing its role last season amidst a shifting lineup.

Cavanaugh realizes the group needs chemistry first and foremost, while also seeking to make guys earn their positions and roles. There are 19 guys competing for five spots, with 16 of those talents scholarship athletes.

Cavanaugh should be able to craft a good unit out of that much talent, and he’s been really high on  Kondolo, too. Cavanaugh told Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald he had a great camp and praised his work ethic.

The turnover is problematic, but if there’s a coach to get the line doing what it needs to, it’s Cavanaugh.

So, while the line may be short in experience and featuring three new starters, it has the right coach to mitigate that shortcoming. The line is probably far less of a concern than other areas of the offense, simply.

Next: Replacing Ameer Abdullah