Holgerson talks improvements, personnel juggling at tight end
LINCOLN, Neb. - It took just two games with Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgerson on the head set for Nebraska to reach their highest scoring total of the season.
In his first home game, Holgerson’s offense scored a season high 44 points in a 44-25 win over Wisconsin to pick up the all important sixth win. This coming after Nebraska put up just 13 offensive points against USC.
When asked what improved, Holgerson said just about everything.
“The players were excited about lining up and practicing and went out and played better. We ran the ball better, for the second week in a row I thought the offensive line played well, Dylan hasn’t been hit a whole lot,” Holgorsen said. “He [Raiola] feels good, he’s getting better he’s processing things well. We’re throwing and catching it better, our receivers are in the right spots.”
Holgorsen noted the improvement in the run game, as Emmett Johnson had a career day out of the backfield with 113 rushing yards and 85 receiving. In addition, Dante Dowdell and Heinrich Haarberg found the end zone on the ground for four of Nebraksa’s five touchdowns.
Fans also saw a more familiar version of Dylan Raiola. With an interception free outing, Raiola put up 293 passing yards and a touchdown. He credits another week of working with Hoglorsen.
“It was really helpful. Just building that relationship. Understanding what he calls, when he wants to call it,” Raiola said. “Just being around him, everyone on the offense got more comfortable and you could see that as we progressed throughout the game.”
Holgorsen also shook things up at tight end. Starter Thomas Fidone played just three snaps against the Badgers, being pulled after a false start. More reps went the way of Nebraska natives Luke Lindenmeyer and Nate Boerkicher.
“I don’t care who’s played or who’s the starter, if you don’t perform at the level I need you to perform at based on how it looks in practice, we’re going to change it,” Holgorsen said. “That positions been changed because Nate and Luke have done a nice job… I think that motivated Thomas. Thomas just had the best practice since I’ve been here. Appreciate his attitude and understanding, he lined up and practiced hard for two days and I anticipate him to go out and make plays.”
Nebraska’s offense totaled just 10 points and 264 total yards against Iowa last year in a 13-10 loss.
Kick off Friday night is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC.