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Matt Rhule making Dana Holgorsen Nebraska’s OC isn’t about friends – it’s about winning
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Matt Rhule making Dana Holgorsen Nebraska’s OC isn’t about friends – it’s about winning

First downs and second guesses:

That’s a good play call from Matt Rhule.

There’s a lot to like about Dana Holgorsen’s move. What I like most is the urgency this shows.

Rhule could have waited until after the season. There are only three games left. He could have been stubborn, like many coaches. He could have supported his man, Marcus Satterfield.

But Holgorsen is also Rhule’s ‘man’.

And this isn’t about taking care of friends. It’s about winning. It’s about getting something concrete done this season. Rhule showed he is loyal to his program, to his players, to Husker fans.

And those three remaining games are everything. Win just one – USC, Wisconsin, Iowa – and you’ve turned the atmosphere and narrative around this second year.

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The message is urgency. Not just for the rest of Rhule’s staff. Also for the players. As Rhule said, “I will make whatever other move I have to make.” The players have to make moves.”

Translation: Rhule is doing his part. The players have to do their part.

Urgency. Building a program is fine. But part of building a winner is going to a bowl game. There are three more chances.

I don’t know if this move will light a fire. But the attacking players should have more fun – and hopefully more success.


'It's the right thing': Why Nebraska named Dana Holgorsen offensive coordinator midseason

Is Rhule reevaluating his 2025 offensive staff?

I know Rhule said he was focusing on the last three games, not next season. But if he hires Holgorsen before 2025, this would be a good time to evaluate the rest of his offensive staff.

Rhule had to hastily assemble this staff two years ago. Coming out of the NFL, he had no college staff to take with him. He brought along familiar faces.

They may have been the right people to help him build a culture, a foundation. But are they the right coaches to win in the Big Ten?

This move gives Rhule a chance to take a step back and reset his entire staff, if necessary. Especially in attack.

Make sure everyone is on the same page with the coordinator. Holgorsen will have coaches he enjoys working with.

Dylan Raiola’s input

You have to think Dylan Raiola had input on this decision – and the direction of the offense going forward.

When you have a quarterback this talented, you want the offense to fit his skill set and comfort zone.

Marcus Satterfield took on too much

I don’t know what to expect on the attack at USC on Saturday.

If you read between the lines, it seems like Satterfield was trying to do too much instead of focusing on what his players were doing right.

What type of offense will Nebraska run?

I wouldn’t want to predict what kind of offense Nebraska will run in the future.

It wouldn’t necessarily be ‘Air Raid’. You have to remember where you play.

A physical run game has to be part of it.

That would be a project for the summer.

Does Dana Holgorsen want to become head coach again?

There is some buzz in college football circles that Holgorsen wants to be a head coach again.

Helping make Nebraska a winner would draw a lot of attention.

But I guess that would be after next season.

Bud Crawford at Memorial Stadium

I love the fact that NU Athletic Director Troy Dannen has contacted Terence “Bud” Crawford about hosting a Crawford fight at Memorial Stadium.

The combination of the facility and Nebraskans’ passion for major events is something that should be used more often.

Tom Shatel’s CFP Rankings

My playoff rankings: Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Indiana, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, BYU, Notre Dame.

There will be discussion after the top three, but all those teams still have big games to go that will settle the matter.

My concern for Indiana: If it loses to Ohio State, what will it look like?

I don’t know if a one-loss IU team beats two-loss SEC teams.

Pay for NIL at concessions

I bought a bottle of soda at the Creighton game at CHI Health Center on Sunday. And the concession stand employee asked me if I wanted to contribute to the Creighton NIL fund.

That’s an interesting angle. At least that’s what they asked.

I have a feeling some schools are just going to add NIL to the price of the item. And tickets.

Union Omaha is going for two championships

Blake Malone and the Union Omaha Owls will go for their second USL League One championship on Sunday at Werner Park.

No USL League One team has ever won two titles.

Kansas City Chiefs update

Winners win. And the Kansas City Chiefs only make plays that win games.

But would it be a good idea to make a field goal on third down, if you’re just trying to set up the play and still want to turn back the clock?

If the kick is blocked and you recover, you can make another attempt on fourth place.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a coach do that. Maybe they should.

The new direction of ‘Yellowstone’

After the initial shock of the season debut of “Yellowstone” on Sunday night, I thought the direction of the episode was fine.

Beth Dutton had already replaced her father John as the show’s main character. She was the reason behind most of what he did.

Now she can move on and has the final say.

You know, if Taylor Sheridan wanted to continue for a few more seasons and build the show around Beth and Rip Wheeler, I’d be for it. You would too.

One more and I’m gone

As I write this on Veterans Day, these are the men and women of the armed forces, the veterans and the current.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for our freedom.

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