Husker Dan Takes His Own Survey

He sees bright days ahead for Matt Rhule and the Nebraska football program.

Photo by Kenny Larabee, KLIN

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a list of 10 questions asking readers for their input regarding the current state of the Cornhusker football program. Many of them responded. (Thanks again to all those who took time to write.)

Now, I get to respond to my own questions.

1) Based on what we know about Matt Rhule and his staff, how would I grade his performance thus far?
HD: Based on what I've seen so far, I'd have to give Coach Rhule a grade of Very Good. If somehow he gets a commitment from '24 recruit Dylan Raiola, he'd certainly deserve an even higher rating.

What impresses me the most are some of the little things he's been doing. When he made a recruiting visit to TE Benjamin Brahmer in Pierce, Nebraska recently, Rhule made sure he met up with a former Husker TE great, Matt Herian, who also lives in Pierce. Rhule didn't have to do that but he did. Very classy.

2) How would I rate his coaching staff?

The core of his staff is made up of coaches who have been with Rhule when he was the head coach at Temple, Baylor and the NFL Carolina Panthers. He also has no problem hiring new faces like DC Tony White and O-line coach Donovan Raiola. Rhule is also not afraid of hiring someone who for the past 17 seasons has been a high school coach (Bob Wager) in the state of Texas. Rhule has even hired a WR coach who just turned 24 (Garret McGuire). Time will tell how these hires will do in the coming years.

For now, I'd give Rhule a grade of Very Good. After a few games, we should know if this group can whip the Huskers into playing shape.

3) How would I rate Rhule's ability to recruit?

What Rhule has been able to do in such a relatively short time (a little over two months) is quite remarkable. He was able to retain players like Malachi Coleman, Maverick Noonan etc. That is pretty impressive. His ability to add players from the portal also seems to be really good. Rhule ended up with a Top 30 class, best in the B1G West, which given his late start, is impressive. Grade: Very Good

4) How many games will the Huskers win this fall?

Based on last year's four-win season and a seemingly favorable 2023 schedule, it would not surprise me if the Huskers win at least six games. Considering that five of this fall's opponents ended '22 with losing records, the Huskers should have a winning season this year. Seven wins would not be out of the realm of possibility. Had the Huskers managed to beat Northwestern and Georgia Southern last year, NU would have been bowl eligible.

5) Will Nebraska make it to a bowl game?

Based on my response above I would say Yes.

6) The Huskers currently have six QBs on scholarship. It's unlikely they will keep that many on its roster come this fall. If a Husker QB does opt to leave, who do I think it will be? Logan Smothers, Chubba Purdy, Casey Thompson, Richard Torres or Heinrich Haarberg?

There is no way Rhule keeps six scholarship QBs. The question is, who does he lose? All but Torres and Haarberg have had actual game experience. It would seem that one (or both) might be leaving the program. We'll know a lot more after the spring game.

7) When NU takes on Minnesota on August 31st, who will be the Husker starting QB? Jeff Sims? Smothers? Purdy? Haarberg? Thompson?

Because of injuries to Thompson and Smothers, it seems plausible that Sims will earn the starting role. Why? Because he's Rhule's hand-picked recruit. And considering the injuries to Thompson. Purdy and Smothers, Sims should get the lion's share of reps this spring and probably this fall. I think Jeff Sims will be the starter at Minnesota.

8) Do you think the Huskers will have a 1,000-yard rusher this fall?

Yes.

9) If so, who do I think it will be? Ajay Allen, Anthony Grant, Rahmir Johnson, Gabe Ervin Jr., Kwinten Ives? Other?

With a so-so O-line last year, the Huskers almost had a thousand-yard rusher (915 yards) in Anthony Grant. I think Grant will get there this fall.

10) Lastly, do I think 5-star QB Dylan Raiola (son of former Husker great Dominic and nephew of current Husker O-line coach Donovan Raiola) will accept Matt Rhule's offer to play for Nebraska? Yes or No.

I was in the 50/50 camp earlier this year. Since then, I've moved to the 60/40 Husker camp. What is almost stunning is Nebraska is one of Raiola's top three choices. The short list includes some pretty formidable programs: two-time national champs, Georgia and powerhouse Southern Cal. USC head coach Lincoln Riley has coached Heisman winners at Oklahoma and USC including last year's winner, QB Caleb Williams.

Nebraska with its six consecutive losing seasons seems to be a long shot to win the services of Dylan Raiola. But who knows? Maybe family and tradition will win out. If so, Rhule and the rest of Husker Pride Worldwide will come unhinged! I could almost hear the late Husker play-by-play announcer Lyell Bremser saying "Man, woman and child! Did that put 'em in the aisles!"

How ’Bout Them Huskers

In our latest podcast, grandson Will and I talk about the Nebraska's men's basketball team's exciting 73-63 OT win over Wisconsin at the PBA. We also discuss the Husker women's basketball season. We even talk about the Husker softball season which is already underway. To top it off, we give our thoughts on how this fall's Husker football season might go.

Next week, Will and I get to interview former Husker great WR, Jordan Westerkamp. If you have any questions you'd like us to ask Jordan, send them to me at: HuskerDan@cox.net.