Heading into a matchup against the nation’s sixth-best run defense, the Nebraska football team is still figuring out what its rushing attack will look like.
The Huskers know they’ll need to run the ball — but who will lead the way?
Given that Nebraska has built a 5-1 record while using a three-man running back rotation of Dante Dowdell, Emmett Johnson and Rahmir Johnson, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield isn’t ready to shake things up just yet.
“We’d like to have one guy but right now, it is what it is, which is that all three have traits that are helping us do things on offense,†Satterfield said. “Until one separates himself — and I don’t mean that as they’re playing bad, they’re playing good at the same level — we’ll use all these guys.â€
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While Dowdell has clearly emerged as Nebraska’s short-yardage back, a recent surge from Emmett Johnson has changed the distribution of playing time within the room.
Rutgers' Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Johnson has played the most snaps of any Husker running back each of the last two weeks, which is aided by the fact he’s created four explosive plays of 20 or more yards this season — two on the ground and two in the air.
“We’ve gotten some good runs during the season, but I’ve been explosive my whole life and I want to help this team win,†Johnson said.
Capable of both earning the tough yards on interior carries and outracing defenders on outside runs, Johnson’s versatility brings a different dimension to the Nebraska offense. As Johnson continues to work on making defenders miss and breaking off big runs, it’s that specialty that helps him stand out in NU’s continually evolving running back rotation.
“A lot of guys have it naturally, but it’s something you have to do over and over and over again in practice,†Johnson said of the ability to make defenders miss. “I do it every single day, I practice making guys miss and go score it.â€
'Bloody Tuesday' practice When the Huskers returned to the practice field this week, the bye week must have seemed like a distant past.
“It was a bloody Tuesday, we went out there and we blocked guys on the perimeter and we improved,†offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said Tuesday.
Nebraska’s wide receivers had a major focus on perimeter blocking during practice as they look to clean up the penalties and poor blocking which have hindered the offense in past weeks. Satterfield did say he’s been pleased with the team’s pass-catchers thus far, though.
“I’m constantly on those guys to just run angry, get open angry, play angry, carry the football angry and go up and get it,†Satterfield said. “(I’m) very pleased with the play-making ability, ability to run by people and catch 50-50 balls.â€
Quick hits * Defensive coordinator Tony White said that when junior defensive back Ceyair Wright was presented with a black jersey for the first time, he wasn’t sure how to react.
“He kind of didn’t even want to put it on first just because he understood, and I was like, ‘Hey man, you put that damn black jersey on because you understand what it means,’†White said of Wright. “He had a big smile on his face.â€
* The Nebraska defense is getting ready to face an Indiana offense that excels at both running and throwing the ball.
The Hoosiers are paced by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a player White said is “accurate as heck.â€
“You can see he just knows where he wants to go with the football, and he is right the majority of the time,†White said of Rourke.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Rutgers on Homecoming in Lincoln — Sept. 5
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyle Monangai (bottom) is tackled by Nebraska's John Bullock (5) and Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's John Bullock (5) prepares to tackle Rutgers' Kyle Monangai (5) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford (3) and Malcolm Hartzog (7) try to prevnent Rutgers' Ben Black (2) from scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball out of the Noth endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska players huddle up the North endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyonte Hamilton (48) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (center) argues a targeting call on one of his players in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A pass intended for Rutgers' Ben Black (2) bumps off his helmet as he attempts to score in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen (center) watches Nebraska take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
From left to right, Nebraska defenders Isaac Gifford, Ceyair Wright, DeShon Singleton and MJ Sherman (48) celebrate during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Head Coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty on Nebraska during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) looks on during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Rutgers' Kyle Monangai on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska's Vincent Shavers (1) forces Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble the ball on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) makes a pass in the first quarter while teammate Bryce Benhart (54) blocks Rutgers' Kyonte Hamilton (48) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) receives a hand-off from quarterback Dylan Raiola during a game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (center) is tackled by Rutgers' Joe Lusardi (37), Davoun Fuse (19), and Kaj Sanders (5) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) reacts toward fans in the strands after the Huskers win over Rutgers 14-7 on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Rutgers' Abram Wright (11) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with teammates on the sideline in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) after completing a pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers' Flip Dixon (10) rushes after Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) as he catches a pass from Brian Buschini (not pictured) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) throws a pass on a fake punt against Rutgers on Saturday. The play resulted in a 30-yard gain to Jaylen Lloyd.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nerbaska's Brian Buschini (13) reacts after absorbing a hit by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) tosses the ball to Nebraska's Jacory Barney (17) during the first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks onto the field during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) lays on the ground after being hit on a blocked punt by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates an interception by Marques Buford (center) during the second quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska's John Bullock (right) tackles Rutgers' Kenny Fletcher (12) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) passes the ball while pressured by Rutgers' John Stone (71) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (center) during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Janiran Bonner takes off on his second-quarter touchdown run against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford picks up an interception against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Rutgers' Kyle Monanga escapes tackles andi runs past Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson runs with the ball against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Flag was initially drawn but later withdrew as Rutgers' Shaquan Loyal defends against Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor in the second quarter, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Marques Buford (right) defends against Rutgers' Chris Long in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores against Rutgers in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers' Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers' Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) is checked on by medical staff after being hit in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tumbles into the endzone for a touchdown after being pushed by Rutgers' Shaquan Loyal (6) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans celebrate after the first touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Justin Evans (left) and Alex Bullock (right) celebrate a touchdown by teammate Janiran Bonner in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) celebrates with his teammates after a sack in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) is sacked by Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers on third down on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) attempts to hurdle Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (2) as he is tackled mid air in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Ben Orozco (right) pours shots onto a Husker themed shot-ski board for Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska fans tailgate before the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Jeff Wylie of Omaha grills bratwursts while tailgating before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan take shots from a Husker themed shot-ski board as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Austin Freiberg (from left) from Sergeant Bluff, IA, sits in the bed of a truck while tailgating outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Austin Freiberg sits in the bed of a truck (from left) while his father Dwight grills, from Sergeant Bluff, IA, tailgate outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Teddy Prochazka (65) high fives fans as he makes his way inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) walks into the stadium during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) makes his way through the crowd during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer waits to get into the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer (left) and senior construction management major Broc Homeyer wait alongside other students to get inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Carter Hergot, 12 (from left) Preston Scott, 12, and Heywood Johnson, 13, hang out in the south stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bailey Jennett of Lincoln, 16, hands out red balloons ahead of the Rutgers game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
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