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Nebraska Football: 5 reasons Mike Riley is squarely on the hot seat

By Brett Renner

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Riley of the Nebraska Cornhuskers walks to the stadium before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Riley of the Nebraska Cornhuskers walks to the stadium before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Tanner Lee #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers attempts a pass ahead of the rush from defensive end Caleb Caston #54 of the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Tanner Lee #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers attempts a pass ahead of the rush from defensive end Caleb Caston #54 of the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

2. The offensive line has been embarrassing 

The Huskers offense has always been run driven throughout the years. Many featured backs have went through the program along with quarterbacks who could run themselves. Now, Tanner Lee has taken the reins at quarterback and the Huskers have been using a spread offense more.

Riley has made it known that they aren’t going to stray away from the run game but the offensive line has made it easy to do so. The Huskers are averaging 139.7 rush yards per game which ranks an ugly 91st in the country. The have failed at converting short yardage distances on first down and it hasn’t been easy for Tanner Lee to get rid of the ball.

Yes the offensive line is young and has time to improve, but it almost seems the technique has gone out of the window. The pass protection has been almost non-existent and it showed in there most recent game against Northern Illinois.

Lee was sacked just three times, but was hurried another seven times and was forced to make bad decision with the lack of time he had. Along with that, he took several bruising hits throughout the game.

If Nebraska is going to have any success this season, it is going to have to start with the offensive line learning better technique and how to be communicative.

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