In the world of college football, special teams can often be the unsung heroes—or the Achilles’ heel—of a team. For the Nebraska Cornhuskers, recent seasons have seen their special teams struggle significantly. However, head coach Matt Rhule is determined to turn things around, and he’s making some bold moves to do just that.
Addressing the Special Teams Struggles
Last season, Nebraska’s special teams were a source of frustration. The team ranked 102nd in the nation for field goals, converting only 68.4 percent of their attempts. Punting wasn’t much better, as they landed at 96th with an average of 41.04 yards per punt. Kickoff returns were equally disappointing, ranking 100th with an average of just 18.57 yards per return. This lack of efficiency not only hindered the Cornhuskers’ ability to finish drives with points but also put them at a significant disadvantage in the field position battle.
A New Direction with Fresh Leadership
In an effort to rectify these issues, Rhule made a pivotal decision this offseason by hiring Mike Ekeler as the new special teams coordinator, replacing Ed Foley. During his Winter press conference, Rhule emphasized that this change was not merely about altering schemes but rather about honing in on technique and fundamentals. “I think a lot of our problems stemmed at the snapper position,” Rhule explained, highlighting that when the core elements aren’t functioning properly, everything else falls apart.
Building a Stronger Roster
Rhule is optimistic about the improvements he expects to see in 2024. He stated, “I don’t think we can put any more time in it in terms of practice, I don’t think we can put in any more time in terms of meetings.” Instead, he believes the key to success lies in the roster itself. With the addition of new players and the return of experienced ones, he is confident that the Cornhuskers will be better equipped to tackle their special teams challenges.
Nebraska has been proactive in the Transfer Portal, bringing in talent to bolster their special teams. Jack McCallister joins the squad as a punter from Washington, while Kevin Gallic arrives as a long snapper from New Hampshire. These additions are expected to provide the stability and reliability that the team desperately needs.
Confidence in the Kicking Game
Rhule’s confidence in his special teams unit is palpable. He believes there are several players capable of excelling in returning kicks, and he’s particularly focused on the “battery” that includes the snapper and holder. “Tristan [Alvano] getting healthy, and John [Hohl] when given the opportunity with a good snap-hold, was excellent as the year went on,” Rhule noted. With the arrival of talented newcomers like Kamdyn Koch, who is expected to make an impact as a punter, the team is gearing up for a more effective special teams performance.
Emphasizing Technique and Fundamentals
Rhule is all about the basics. He firmly believes that the core of special teams play revolves around technique and fundamentals. “We erred on the side of production, and we went out and found guys that we thought would be really reliable,” he said, stressing the importance of having a fresh perspective and new eyes on the situation. This approach aims to instill a culture of accountability and excellence within the special teams unit.
New Perspectives and Fresh Ideas
When it came to selecting a new special teams coordinator, Rhule sought out diverse viewpoints. He engaged in interviews with various candidates, asking them to share their insights. “A lot of the guys we’ve interviewed I’ve just asked, ‘Hey, what do you see?’” Rhule explained. This collaborative approach not only enriches the decision-making process but also fosters a culture of learning and growth within the program.
Phil Snow, who has been instrumental in the interview process, brings a different perspective to the table, allowing Rhule to consider various angles. “I think you guys will find that I trust Phil immensely because it always goes back to the same core values of technique, fundamentals, effort, preparation,” Rhule stated. This teamwork reflects a commitment to improving the special teams unit from the ground up.
Looking Ahead: Proving It on the Field
While all these plans and changes sound promising, the true test will come in the fall when the Cornhuskers take the field. Rhule is aware that having a strategy is one thing, but execution is another. “Having plans to be better is great for Rhule and Nebraska,” he noted, but success will ultimately depend on how well the team implements these changes during games. The excitement surrounding the upcoming season is palpable, and fans are eager to see if the Cornhuskers can transform their special teams into a strength rather than a liability.
As the Cornhuskers prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on their special teams. With a renewed focus on technique, fresh talent, and a commitment to improvement, Nebraska is poised to make significant strides. Will this be the year that special teams become a cornerstone of Cornhusker football? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is certainly building!
