Matt Rhule points to perimeter blocking ‘deficiency’ as factor in Nebraska run game struggles

The Huskers struggle against the blitz — and their inability to block along the perimeter has made working around those struggles a challenge.

Rhule called Nebraska’s outside blocking a “deficiency.” It’s prevented the Huskers from countering pressure by swinging the ball out to the sideline and getting their playmakers into open space and compounded their struggles running the ball consistently.

Thomas Fidone II whiffed on a block that would have sprung Heinrich Haarberg for a touchdown in the second quarter, although he did clear space for Jacory Barney Jr. to punch it in for the Huskers’ lone score on the next snap. Rhule cited another moment, early in the second half, when Barney could have broken off a big play if he had gotten the blocks he needed.

“I hate when coaches say, ‘Well, we just didn’t execute.’ To me that’s like a cop-out,” Rhule said. “But what I don’t like is missed assignments. What I don’t like is not knowing what to do. In many areas things happen fast in that game. They pressured us. We kicked the ball out, and either we’d run into the defender or we don’t make the block. So that whole component of our game was lacking.”

No NU running back averaged more than 3 yards per carry Saturday, their opportunities limited by the Huskers’ pass-heavy approach after falling behind early. Explosive plays and chunk yardage remain elusive for Nebraska with no silver bullet to fix things seven games into the season.

“It’s a challenge, and it’s just one that I think you have to — what do you do?” Rhule said. “Put in a whole bunch of new runs? No. To me, you go back and say what can we do better?”