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Nebraska football: Why Casey Thompson is key to a Huskers rebound

By John Scimeca

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns arrives prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns arrives prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 09: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2021 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 09, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 09: Casey Thompson #11 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2021 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 09, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. Thompson showcased his talents at Texas in 2021

It was a 2021 season to forget for Texas, but it’s hardly Casey Thompson’s fault. Early on, the Texas offense scored 70 points in a defeat of Texas Tech. Against the Red Raiders, Thompson completed 18-of-23 passes for 303 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for another score. In the Red River Shootout loss to Oklahoma, Thompson (whose father was an OU quarterback) threw for 388 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions.

In the notorious 57-56 overtime loss to Kansas, he scored seven total touchdowns (including six through the air), tying a Texas school record. In 2021, Thompson had three games each of five or more touchdowns, which set a Texas school record.

The Longhorns’ defense, though, folded and barely gave its offense a chance. The unit gave up 31.1 points and 425.6 yards per game, marks that ranked No. 99 and No. 100 in the nation.

Thompson finished the season with 2,113 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He’s no stranger to high expectations — there was plenty of pressure and national attention in Austin — and he should be able to thrive in tough circumstances as he tries to lead Nebraska to its first winning record in five years.

Thompson managed to put up these numbers at Texas with a number of factors working against him. His offensive line struggled to protect him or pave enough room for Bijan Robinson, and motivation noticeably waned throughout the season as the Longhorns’ losses piled up one after another. The 5-7 finish in Steve Sarkisian’s first season in Austin tied for Texas’ worst regular-season finish since 1997.

The former top 15 high school quarterback recruit in the country also rushed for more than 3,000 yards at the high school level — and he has shown evidence of his scrambling ability at Texas.

Thompson’s older brother, Kendal, played quarterback at OU for three seasons from 2011 to 2013 before transferring to Utah.

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