As Nebraska readies for the first game of the season, it’s been forced to cobble film together to gain a full understanding of what to expect from UTEP.
Miners coach Scotty Walden spent the past four seasons at Austin Peay and brought a handful of players to El Paso with him. Offensive coordinator Jake Brown ran Louisiana Tech’s offense last year.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has drawn from the Huskers’ 2023 game at Colorado as a comparison to the Miners’ offensive tempo.
Within the preparation, Rhule sees elements that hurt NU a season ago. UTEP plays with the pace Colorado used to run the Huskers off the field with a second-half ambush in Boulder. When Nebraska faced Louisiana Tech, Brown dialed up a pair of screens Rhule thought could have gone for touchdowns if Jimari Butler hadn’t prevented one and the Bulldogs’ lack of execution stalled another.
People are also reading…
Walden has been in this situation before, like when Austin Peay played Tennessee in Week 2 of 2023. The Governors fought and clawed and prevented the Volunteers, coming off of an 11-2 season, from turning the game into a blowout.
“It was 6-6 right before the half,” Rhule said. “You could feel Tennessee losing their mind a little bit. This is a really good football team, and Scotty’s a great coach. They’re gonna go for it on fourth down. They’re gonna take their shots on us, and if one hits us we have to regroup and say ‘What’s next?’ and keep playing.”
Photos: Nebraska football practice at Hawks Championship Center — Aug. 16
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone picks up a pass during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield coaches tight ends, including Connor Schutt (46), during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White talks with the team during a practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (right) outruns teammate Mikai Gbayor during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher (left) and Keona Davis walk into a patch of light during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule talks with a New York Giants staff during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles as he talks by the sidelines during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (from left), offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield and Thomas Fidone seen during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson catches a pass during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher catches a pass during practice on Friday at Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad looks to make a throw during a team practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Hawks Championship Center.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login