Today, we wrap up Nebraska’s offensive group breakdowns with the offensive line, which is seeking new beginnings under new O-line coach Donovan Raiola.
The Huskers’ offensive line has been the subject of national notoriety after head coach Scott Frost said in a radio interview that the linemen were “vomiting 15-20 times per practice”, a comment that he has since clarified.
Frost explained that the linemen were in shape and admitted that his description of how hard the linemen were working under Raiola was stretched, but it reveals how hungry the Huskers line is to improve after a dismal showing last year.
Nebraska was ranked 126th in pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus and injuries led the line to be reshuffled constantly. Two of the few consistencies on the Huskers offensive line, namely center Cam Jurgens (NFL Draft) and right guard Matt Sichterman (retirement), are both gone. Guard Nouredin Nouili, who started seven games last year, will miss the 2022 season after failing an NCAA-imposed drug test in the offseason.
On the bright side, Nebraska brought in a couple transfer portal additions in order to shore up the line and more players come into the 2022 season with playing experience after last year’s revolving door. They’ll be counted on even more this year, as offensive coordinator Mark Whipple will plan to throw the ball more frequently and the Huskers don’t have Adrian Martinez to bail them out with his running skills if the O-line falters.
Adding to optimism is the Huskers’ coaching overhaul, as running backs coach Bryan Applewhite has experience coaching offensive linemen and has been helping Nebraska’s running backs understand the ins and outs of the guys in the trenches. Whipple’s new scheme looks to put more running backs and tight ends in pass protection too.
The Huskers hung their hat on stellar offensive line play for years, especially in the Tom Osborne era. It’s no surprise that a subpar…
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