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Mickey Joseph addresses Nebraska’s plan for tempo of offense

Cole Thompson

By Cole Thompson

Published:

Something has to change for Nebraska football if it hopes to get on track for the remainder of the season. One idea for better results? A slowed-down offense.

Nebraska interim coach Mickey Joseph’s announced that the offense would go to a slower pace when calling the plays moving forward under the direction of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Last week against No. 6 Oklahoma, the Huskers looked rushed trying to get to the line of scrimmage.

Huskers quarterback Casey Thompson finished Saturday 14-of-20 passing for 129 yards and a touchdown. As an offense, Nebraksa had 4 drives that ended with 3-and-outs and 3 more drives that ended with punts on 6 plays or fewer.

The results showed on defense against the Sooners’ high-tempo offense led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Oklahoma scored 49 points and totaled 580 yards of offense, 312 of which came on the ground led by running backs Eric Gray, Jovantae Barnes and Marcus Major.

Gabriel finished 16-of-27 passing for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also ran for a 61-yard touchdown in the first quarter to tie the game at 7 apiece. Of Oklahoma’s 7 scoring drives, 4 came on drives with fewer than 7 plays.

Joesph also announced the firing of defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. In his place, special teams coordinator Bill Busch will handle the defensive play-calling.

Through 4 games, the Huskers’ offense ranks 49th in total offense (451 yards per game), 53rd in passing offense (257.5 yards per game), and 77th in scoring (30.5 points per game). Nebraska will return to Memorial Stadium to take on Indiana on Oct. 1.

Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.