Why Nebraska’s running back rotation works to wear down opponents

Emmett Johnson gave Nebraska a jolt as a nimble, shifty runner against Purdue, but Matt Rhule liked the way Dante Dowdell set the table.

Rhule likes to get the big, sturdy Dowdell into the game early to set the tone and wear down opposing defenses before the fourth quarter. The coach pointed to the Huskers’ first touchdown drive Saturday when Dowdell buried his shoulder into a Boilermaker defender on a short-yardage situation.

“If we ask Rahmir (Johnson) and Emmett to do all those things early in the game, then they’re not gonna be, to me, explosive late in the game,” Rhule said.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule kicks off Rutgers week with a news conference on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.

Emmett Johnson then saw the field for much of the second half in his eight-carry, 50-yard afternoon. He also had three receptions for 48 yards. Johnson hasn’t been featured especially prominently throughout the season. He didn’t touch the ball against Illinois.

But Saturday, he put together a complete performance, catching passes out of the backfield, picking up blitzers and making defenders miss in space.

“I like what Emmett did,” Rhule said. “Emmett deserves to keep playing. He was one of the guys we singled out just because he did so many good things. Maybe wasn’t one huge play. He certainly bailed me out after my penalty, which I appreciate. I’m very grateful for that.”

Photos: Nebraska football at Purdue in Week 5 college football game — Sept. 28

Nebraska’s Marques Buford Jr. (3) celebrates with one of head coach Matt Rhule’s daughter after the Huskers defeated Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD