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Marcus Satterfield met with reporters on Tuesday afternoon to help preview Nebraska’s upcoming matchup against Ohio State.
Satterfield was asked what Nebraska’s “target number” for yards per play. His answer was underwhelming, to say the least.
“Between 4 and 6,” Satterfield said. “I honestly don’t even know what leads the country in yards per play. What would be a top yards-per-play [average]?
“It’s a great question. You stumped me. I don’t want to lie to you. I don’t know what’s leading the country [in yards per play], but I want it to be a little bit more than what it is now, for sure.”
Nebraska’s offense is averaging 5.54 yards per play entering Week 9, which ranks just 89th nationally. The 6 yards-per-play target that Satterfield mentioned at the high end of his range would rank 57th in the country. On the low end, 4 yards per play would be 133rd out of 134 FBS teams (ahead of only Kennesaw State).
Here’s video of Satterfield’s comments:
4.0 yards per play is literally second to last in the country. 6.0 yards per play would rank 56th. Not great. pic.twitter.com/EEsarkI3OP
— Josh Peterson (@joshtweeterson) October 22, 2024
It’s been a tough couple years for Satterfield’s offense at Nebraska. Last season the Huskers averaged 5.08 yards per play, which ranked in the bottom half of the Big Ten. Fans have understandably been frustrated with Nebraska’s output offensively, particularly in losses this season.
There’s been plenty of reaction to Satterfield’s comments on Tuesday about Nebraska’s “target” for yards per play:
The Satterfield clip is so infuriating because of how much the fanbase has poured into the program, both financially and emotionally.
You don’t even know what your unit’s yards per play is? And you’re one of the highest paid OC’s in the country?
That is actually insane.
— Mike 🌽 (@HuskerMike28) October 22, 2024
Marcus Satterfield's struggling as Nebraska's OC.
No one saw this coming. https://t.co/3oopYA7DZR
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) October 22, 2024
Marcus Satterfield has been at Nebraska for 19 games and just admitted he hasn't adopted the mindset of what it takes to win in the Big Ten. Marcus Satterfield has been involved in college football for 30 years and doesn't know what a good yards per play average is.
— Kaleb Henry (@iKalebHenry) October 22, 2024
Nebraska’s OC Marcus Satterfield when asked about yards per play. https://t.co/pewU2cwDFO pic.twitter.com/XWyy4rUXOE
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) October 22, 2024
Marcus Satterfield has held offensive coordinator roles across several teams, including South Carolina and Chattanooga. In 2022, his South Carolina offense averaged 381 yards per game, which translates to about 5.5 yards per play, placing them mid-tier in the SEC. During his time… https://t.co/SnpFYEdpFq
— Blackshirt Media (@BlackshirtMedia) October 22, 2024
I am once again asking to fire Marcus Satterfield good lord.
— 🌽BigRedKorner🌽 (5-2) (@BigRedKorner) October 22, 2024
How the actual hell does Satt not know how efficient he wants his offense? Has legit no idea. 4 yards per play is good for 132/134. Garbage!
6 yards per play is wonderful. Tied for 36th.
To have no idea what you are targeting and thinking 4 is a good number.. Clock is ticking.. https://t.co/zL2nmv3RLl
— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) October 22, 2024
I would like Nebraska to be somewhere around 7-8 yards per play but what do I know?
(BTW, I typed that before even looking where that would rank. Where would it rank? Top 10 in the country.)
— James Pruch (@jamespruch) October 22, 2024
Nebraska will go on the road to face Ohio State in Week 9.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.