Nebraska’s questions at running back are clearing up; Mikai Gbayor targeting call

The depth chart at Nebraska’s running back position went from four ORs down to two.

Now, NU will start either Rahmir Johnson or Dante Dowdell while bringing Emmett Johnson and Gabe Ervin off the bench. Prior to the release of Monday’s depth chart, Nebraska had four ORs for its running backs, meaning any one of the four could start.

Coach Matt Rhule liked the way Dowdell — who finished with two touchdowns — finished his runs, except for the one where Dowdell extended the ball over the goal line, fumbling it once it broke the plane for an official touchdown. Rhule also praised Emmett Johnson for a few of his blitz pickups.

“I wasn’t happy with all the blitz pickups and stuff so I put Emmett in the game, and Emmett did a nice job,” Rhule said. “So Emmett will have some roles.”

Rhule said he’s perhaps used the “kid glove” approach too much with Ervin, who is coming off of a torn hip suffered in early 2023. Ervin also tore an ACL in his knee back in 2021.

“I put him in at the end — not as a consolation kind of thing, but I like him running the I formation stuff,” Rhule said. “… Based on the way we played, we played with Dante and Rahmir more, so I wanted to be more transparent.”

Through two games, Dowdell has rushed 25 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns followed by Rahmir Johnson (20/83/0), Emmett Johnson (9/74/0) and Ervin (8/30/2). Rahmir Johnson also has eight catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Emmett Johnson has one catch for eight yards.

Rhule said freshman receiver Jacory Barney (67 all-purpose yards) needs to get the ball more often.

Ainsworth graduate Carter Nelson will play more in upcoming games after Rhule wanted mostly “old guys” settling the score vs. Colorado.

Rhule critiqued NU’s perimeter blocking in this game, which racked up multiple holding penalties.

Inside linebacker Mikai Gbayor, ejected in the second half of the CU game for targeting, will be suspended from Saturday’s first half unless he is granted an appeal.

Rhule, while calling himself a football “libertarian,” declined to say whether the collegiate sport should adopt the NFL model, which does not automatically eject players for a hit to an opponent’s head.