Nebraska Football 2022: Can the Huskers finally make a bowl game?
By Shane Lunnen
The Cornhuskers must stop turning over the ball
Statistically speaking a year ago, the Huskers found success on offense. They were second in the conference with 447.6 yards per game, ranking 20th in the nation. They were better throwing the ball, but had achieved balance and both rushing and passing ranked in the top 50 in FBS.
The yards did not always translate to points, scoring 27.9 points per game and ranking 70th in the country. And one of the biggest problems for the Huskers was their turnover margin. They were a minus five which ranked 98th in the country. Every time the Huskers seemed on the verge of getting a game-winning score, they would cough up the ball. All of this added up to a three-win season.
As mentioned all offensive coaches were fired except tight end coach Sean Beckton. New OC and QB coach Mark Whipple will not have quarterback Adrian Martinez. After four years as the starter, he transferred to Kansas State for his final year of eligibility.
Texas transfer Casey Thompson looks to lead the quarterback room after 10 starts for the Longhorns. He looks to be backed up by another transfer, Chubba Purdy from Florida State. Thompson will not equal Martinez in rushing yards but should top his passing yards with Whipple’s offense.
Rahmir Johnson is the most experienced running back on the roster with seven starts under his belt and 4.4 yards per carry a year ago. Johnson will be running behind a line with holes to fill. Center Cam Jurgens is gone and so is guard Matt Sichterman. They will have a couple of new transfers and Trent Hixson looks to replace Jurgens in the middle.
Wide receiver Omar Manning is the leading returning receiver, having caught 26 balls for 380 yards and two scores last season. He will be joined by Oliver Martin and Trey Palmer, the latter who transferred over from LSU.
The tight ends also should be more active in Whipple’s offense. Unfortunately, Austin Allen left early for the NFL but Travis Vokolek is a senior, has experience, and should step up into a leadership role for the group.