From Raiola to Lateef: Where Do the Huskers Go From Here?

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What a change in the season. The way you think it’s going to go versus the way it actually goes — that’s Nebraska football for you. One week, we’re battling USC in a rock fight and thinking maybe we’ve turned a corner. The next, Dylan Raiola is out for the season, and suddenly it’s T.J. Lateef time in Lincoln.

I’ve said plenty this season about Raiola — good and bad — and I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t curious to see what Lateef could do. But when he first ran onto the field, I’ll admit my first thought was: That guy’s small, and he’s going to get killed out there. Still, here we are. Nebraska football always finds a way to make things interesting.

Offensively, I think Emmett Johnson has turned into one of the better running backs in the Big Ten. He’s doing it behind an inconsistent offensive line, which only makes his production more impressive. What I’m most curious about now is how Dana Holgorsen and Matt Rhule adjust the offense for a true freshman quarterback. We can’t run the 1990s option again, but we might see more designed runs and short passes to protect Lateef.

The Matt Rhule contract extension was the right call, even after the USC loss. In an era where half the country seems to be firing coaches midseason, keeping some continuity matters. As Sarkisian said recently — who are all these schools going to hire? Nebraska has its guy, and I think he’s building something that will last.

Still, there are warning signs. The fourth-and-one fiasco against USC was a big red flag for Rhule’s game management, and if he doesn’t address the offensive line coaching situation after this year, that’ll be another one.

Beyond all the X’s and O’s, though, I find myself asking a deeper question — are any of us ever happy with our football teams? I don’t think Vikings fans are. I don’t think Penn State fans are. And I know Husker fans certainly aren’t, no matter what happens. Maybe that’s just part of the deal.

For now, we’ll see what Lateef can do against UCLA, Penn State, and Iowa. I’ll keep (not) raking leaves, drinking bad coffee, and hoping this young Nebraska team gives us something to cheer about before the snow flies.

Go Big Red.

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