Husker notes: Nebraska working on run game balance to help rest Casey Thompson

LINCOLN – Casey Thompson wanted a break, which labored out properly since Nebraska wanted to enhance its run recreation.

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple mentioned Tuesday that the Huskers practiced extra run ideas through the bye week whereas Thompson rested his arm and bruised physique. Whipple desires NU’s offense to look extra balanced and he desires Anthony Grant, whom the OC considers amongst his finest playmakers, to see extra touches.

Grant averaged 23.6 per recreation by means of six weeks, however he solely had 13 in opposition to Purdue final week. Why?

Well being points, execution, recreation script.

“It’s a mix,” Whipple mentioned. “Rating dictates a whole lot of what you need to do.”

Nebraska doesn’t plan on falling behind 27-10 for a second straight recreation, nevertheless, and Whipple mentioned the run recreation seems “cleaner” this week, and seeing these enhancements on tape ought to give gamers confidence.

He thought Nebraska was near breaking a number of huge runs in opposition to Purdue. Perhaps the bye-week tweaks could make a distinction.

“It is perhaps one man lacking (a block),” Whipple mentioned. “Plenty of occasions within the run recreation, it’s one man together with his footwork and fundamentals. I feel it’s making an attempt to get geared to our strengths.”

Trey Palmer’s 200-yard efficiency in opposition to Purdue was no anomaly, based on Whipple.

“Early within the yr, he was open a whole lot of the time,” Whipple mentioned. “It’s simply timing.”

The veteran coach has to remind himself to remain affected person typically. Former Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett and extensive receiver Jordan Addison typically made Whipple’s go ideas look straightforward after three years operating his system. Palmer and quarterback Casey Thompson have solely performed seven video games for him.

The Huskers’ prime passing duo might confront one other new problem this week. School groups don’t deploy double groups as typically as skilled groups, Whipple mentioned, however the Illini are extra probably to take action coming off a bye.

Whipple noticed that growth at Pittsburgh, too. His answer: “Discover the man who’s obtained single protection.”

“We’ve obtained different good gamers,” Whipple mentioned.

Bryce Benhart warmed up at guard earlier than Nebraska’s recreation in opposition to Purdue. Whipple mentioned it was as a result of he was making an attempt to construct depth on an injury-plagued offensive line.

“We’ve obtained to maintain shifting these guys round, construct some depth,” he mentioned. “Guys are gonna get damage, it’s sadly a part of the sport. Constructing depth is, I wouldn’t say the simplest factor within the first yr. You’ll be able to’t recruit. It simply is what it’s. You at all times attempt to construct depth.”

What makes Illinois’ top-rated protection so good in Whipple’s opinion?

Easy: They Illini imagine of their scheme, which permits them to play free and with confidence. In addition they get assist from their offense, led by Chase Brown’s 151.3 yards per recreation (2nd nationally). “They shorten the sport,” Whipple mentioned.

The important thing for Nebraska this week: third down execution. Whipple says most groups solely run round 40 performs in opposition to Illinois due to their sturdy protection and operating recreation. That’s no recipe for profitable within the Large Ten.

Illinois’ offense, Nebraska defensive coordinator Invoice Busch mentioned, has a various, tough run recreation to cease – a number of completely different formations, a number of hole and energy performs – with operating again Chase Brown gaining “so many yards after contact.” Brown has 1,059 yards this season.

“He has breakout runs and he could make you miss,” Busch mentioned. “However his greatest power, that Chase has, is he’s in a position to flip three-yard runs to six-yard runs.”

Nebraska gained’t shut down Illinois’ run recreation solely, Busch mentioned, however NU must “management” it and restrict huge performs.

Busch added that he has big respect for Brown and the teaching employees, saying that Illinois is “an old-school Large Ten group” constructed on the line of scrimmage.

Busch additionally talked about Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito, whom Busch has had excessive respect for since recruiting him out of highschool.

“Should you have a look at his percentages, DeVito is an excellent participant,” Busch mentioned of the Illinois quarterback finishing greater than 70% of his passes this yr. “He’s a veteran participant who has performed a whole lot of snaps at soccer, very spectacular.”

Busch mentioned that Devito is efficient at run/go choices and is an environment friendly thrower even when the run recreation is proscribed. Busch added that Devito has a whole lot of expertise throughout him which has additionally helped together with his success.