Photo by Jake Bartecki, NCN Sports

NEBRASKA CITY – Husker Radio Analyst Damon Benning told his Big Red Buzz audience at Valentino’s Restaurant in Nebraska City Monday that new Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen has a feel for the rhythm of a game especially when there’s a make-you-miss type guy in the backfield.

Since Holgorsen took over play calling, running back Emmett Johnson’s carries have increased and his reception yards reach a career high.

Coach Matt Rhule described Johnson as “untackleable at times” following the evasive sophomore’s 113 yards rushing and 85 yards receiving in a bowl-clinching victory over Wisconsin on Saturday.

Benning, whose own sophomore season at Nebraska was highlighted with 367 yards on 67 carries, described  Johnson as a rhythm runner that fits Holgorsen’s style.

Benning: “Going forward the types of guys I think they want back there are more of the make-you-miss type.”

Johnson has the first 100-yard game of his career and first 100-yard rushing of any Nebraska running back in 19 games. His six receptions for 85 yards included a 27-yard reception in the first quarter

At a press conference Johnson credited Coach Holgorsen for letting him be himself in open space.

Johnson: “I’ve been making people miss my whole life.”

 

Benning said Coach Holgorsen takes advantage of man-to-man concepts not only in the passing game but for running backs like Johnson.

Benning: “He really helps them in the run game because he can formation and he uses a ton of motion, not  near as many personnel packages, right? “

He said people ask him what is the biggest differences in the offense with Holgorsen in charge.

Benning: “If you don’t like practice or you don’t practice well, you don’t play. … There is definitely something to the whole position coaches getting attached to players because they know what they’ve been through and how far they’ve come.”

He said fresh eyes only see what is happening on the field and rates recent practices as competitive.

Benning: “I like when the day-to-day matters and the day-to-day, since Coach Holgorsen, really matters.”

Nebraska sophomore running back Dante Dowdell leads the team with 130 carries and had three rushing touchdowns against Wisconsin.

Benning: “I always felt, and I’ve told you guys, that Dowdell should have been the hammer at the end, not the softening-you-up guy at the beginning.”

Perhaps Nebraska can soften up Iowa on Friday with the Godbey translation of Phillipians 4:13.

Nebraska 20, Iowa 16

GBR