Cav Has Choices on the OLine

[Mavric]

It's also year three of Nebraska's offensive line under coach Mike Cavanaugh, who had to navigate a unit through injuries last season but, as a result, gets five guys who started games in 2016 — left tackle Nick Gates, left guard Jerald Foster, right guard Tanner Farmer and right tackles Cole Conrad and David Knevel. None of those five played any game snaps in the old spread offense, so the only scheme they really know is the one they're currently in.

 

"A lot of the guys have grown up in the system," Cavanaugh said Wednesday.

 

Cavanaugh praised Gates and Foster for their offseason leadership — for setting good examples, but also being vocal about their high standards and keeping younger players accountable. He's excited to see the progress of three redshirt freshmen — Matt Farniok, John Raridon and Boe Wilson — and how they push three redshirt sophomores — Michael Decker, Jalin Barnett and Christian Gaylord — in spring. The latter three, Cavanaugh said "need to get on their horse and let's go." Omaha North grad Decker in particular "has tools," Cavanaugh said. He'll need them to beat out Raridon, who excels at finishing blocks, Cavanaugh said.

OWH

[Mavric]

Sam doesn't waste any time playing up all the supposed obstacles the coaches are facing.

Opening line:

One of the youngest and least experienced Nebraska football teams in some years will start spring camp March 4 with major storylines at nearly every position.

[ColoradoHusk]

While the line is young, it was Cav's choice to redshirt those freshmen linemen in 2016. If Cav is going to use inexperience as an excuse, it's his own fault for not getting guys experience in 2016.

[GBRFAN]

Redshirting lineman is a pretty smart choice. The experience of going against upperclass big10 defensive lineman doesn't seem wise.

[BigRedBuster]

I fully support redshirting the linemen we have redshirted. The vast majority of linemen play out their full eligibility. Having them for 5 years in the program is a big benefit when you look at how their bodies develop over those 5 years.

 

If you have a line that is thin on talent when you get to a school, it can take years to develop the depth needed to really have a room full of good linemen to step in when needed.

[GBRFAN]

They also get experience with the scout team and going against defensive players that are also not ready for the big time trenches.

[Making Chimichangas]

Is there a consensus that this is Mike Riley's "prove it" year? It's year 3, he's had 3 full recruiting classes, and most importantly, he's got 4 QBs specifically recruited for his style of offense.

 

I don't know if winning the Big 10 should be the measure, but it darn sure wouldn't hurt.

[theknife]

Is there a consensus that this is Mike Riley's "prove it" year? It's year 3, he's had 3 full recruiting classes, and most importantly, he's got 4 QBs specifically recruited for his style of offense.

 

I don't know if winning the Big 10 should be the measure, but it darn sure wouldn't hurt.

It is for me. I'm thrilled with all the changes and think we are headed in the right direction, but if he is laying off people again next year after more blowouts, I'll be seriously questioning him.

[ColoradoHusk]

Is there a consensus that this is Mike Riley's "prove it" year? It's year 3, he's had 3 full recruiting classes, and most importantly, he's got 4 QBs specifically recruited for his style of offense.

 

I don't know if winning the Big 10 should be the measure, but it darn sure wouldn't hurt.

The excuses for poor offense performance should be gone. I'm not saying the offense will be awesome, but there shouldn't be lame excuses for Riley and Langsdorf if it does struggle.

[onlyHskrfaninIL]

He needs at least 8 wins in 2017. I think his first real prove-it year is next year. Unfortunately, the road schedule next year is brutal. His best shot to really secure his future might be this year.

[BigRedBuster]

Is there a consensus that this is Mike Riley's "prove it" year? It's year 3, he's had 3 full recruiting classes, and most importantly, he's got 4 QBs specifically recruited for his style of offense.

 

I don't know if winning the Big 10 should be the measure, but it darn sure wouldn't hurt.

Depends on what you mean. There is one hell of a lot that can happen outside the coach's power that can greatly influence the season record.

For instance, what happens if Lee comes out totally on fire. We are 5-0 and going strong. Then....he breaks his leg. The next game, POB is going strong and all of a sudden he tears up a knee. Gebbia comes in and dislocates his shoulder.

 

Now.....the chances of all that happening is pretty small. But, sometimes stuff like that does happen with a team....if that happens, and we end up losing 4-5 games at the end of the year....I'm not going to be calling for Riley's head unless there are other major negative things happening in the program.

[suh_fan93]

Tackle play is going to be crucial this year. Gates got eaten up against Tennessee but it's the right side that's the real concern. Knevel is going to get a pocket QB killed. I'm also concerned about the situation at center.

[lo country]

If the OL sucks this year, the only choices I want Cav to have in 2018 are where else to coach as Riley lets him go.......Do t think this is Riley's make or break, but it needs to be Cavs.

[Hunter94]

 

Is there a consensus that this is Mike Riley's "prove it" year? It's year 3, he's had 3 full recruiting classes, and most importantly, he's got 4 QBs specifically recruited for his style of offense.

 

I don't know if winning the Big 10 should be the measure, but it darn sure wouldn't hurt.

Depends on what you mean. There is one hell of a lot that can happen outside the coach's power that can greatly influence the season record.

For instance, what happens if Lee comes out totally on fire. We are 5-0 and going strong. Then....he breaks his leg. The next game, POB is going strong and all of a sudden he tears up a knee. Gebbia comes in and dislocates his shoulder.

 

Now.....the chances of all that happening is pretty small. But, sometimes stuff like that does happen with a team....if that happens, and we end up losing 4-5 games at the end of the year....I'm not going to be calling for Riley's head unless there are other major negative things happening in the program.

 

holy sh#t man............if all that happens there aint a cow in Texas!

[Hunter94]

Tackle play is going to be crucial this year. Gates got eaten up against Tennessee but it's the right side that's the real concern. Knevel is going to get a pocket QB killed. I'm also concerned about the situation at center.

not a good thing for a pocket passer!