Three Huskers I'd like to see more of and more from against Maryland

This is the fifth installment of the More of/More from series in which I focus on three young, rotational players I’d like to see more of and three established Huskers I’d like to see more from. Nebraska is set for their first true road game against Maryland on Saturday.

Here’s three Huskers I’d like to see more of, and more from, against the Terrapins.

More Of: Mekhi Nelson

Nelson had the longest play from scrimmage, an eleven yard carry, in a second quarter that Nebraska struggled to move the ball and somehow didn’t touch the ball again until he came up with muffed kick return that full swung momentum Nebraska’s way against Michigan State. Nelson’s usage, or lack there of, against the Spartans might not have been intentional but this is now back-to-back games in which the redshirt freshman has had a carry over ten yards, then limited touches the rest of the way. I’d like to see the Huskers try and get Nelson into a rhythm, especially in a game in which I expect time of possession to matter. Whether it’s more carries and/or some receptions out of the backfield, I’m looking for more touches for Nelson against Maryland.

More Of: David Höffken

It was a pleasant surprise to see Höffken play real snaps along the interior of Nebraska’s defensive line rotation. The redshirt freshman out of Germany played seven snaps against Michigan State, a few while the game was very much still in play. The 6-foot-7, 285lb redshirt freshman is a massive presence along the interior and if he can at the least utilize that size and strength to own his gap and not get blown off the ball, he’s a welcome presence in a defensive line rotation that needs as much depth as it can get. It wouldn’t surprise me if the sophomore made the travel roster and I’d look for more from the German native as the season progresses. I for one would like to see him clear ten snaps against the Terrapins, if he does make the trip.

More Of: Justyn Rhett

Malcolm Hartzog is doubtful for Saturday, meaning we likely see Ceyair Wright back at nickel with Donovan Jones and Andrew Marshall at outside corner and Deshon Singleton at Rover, as it’s been since Hartzog’s been out. A wrinkle from last week, Rex Guthrie got the start over Marques Buford at safety. Buford ended up playing 22 snaps but Guthrie played the first series and the majority of the game, with 60 snaps against the Spartans. Behind those two, Justyn Rhett played 13 snaps. The Georgia transfer plays fast, and at least to this man’s eyes is a little quicker changing directions in coverage at this point in his development compared to Guthrie. Guthrie has the trust of the staff, and is positioned to be a key cog in the secondary in the years to come. That said, Saturday’s matchup features a Maryland offense that has struggled to run the ball but a quarterback unafraid to rip it downfield, with playmakers than can win 1-on-1 matchups. This is a matchup that is better suited for Buford and Rhett’s skillset, and I’m looking for more snaps from the Georgia transfer in particular on Saturday.

More From: Dylan Raiola

Admittedly, in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s win over Michigan State, I was too harsh on the offensive line and not harsh enough on Raiola in assessing blame for the Spartans’ five sacks on the sophomore quarterback. After rewatching, there were moments Raiola could have stepped up into the pocket, or progressed through the read quicker. Under pressure, Raiola’s time to throw slipped to an alarming 4.05 seconds against Michigan State per PFF. Now, the sophomore deserves credit for making the throw to Barney that opened up the game for Nebraska. Last season, he might not have had the mental fortitude to rally back in that game. That said, the first three quarters of Saturday’s win over the Spartans should serve as a learning experience, never to be replicated again.

Having seen extensive pressure in two conference games now, Raiola should have an idea how to react when (yes when) Maryland’s front creates pressure. The Terrapins lead the conference in sacks and have two freshmen pass rushers in Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis that will make life difficult for Raiola in the pocket. The interior of the Huskers’ offensive line has given Raiola opportunities to step up into the pocket when pressure comes outside, he hasn’t always taken advantage. I’m looking for Raiola to show more composure and have a better plan when pressure’s bearing down. He’s now seen for himself how trust in his playmakers can turn a game around. Raiola’s been efficient regardless, but can he help the offense move the ball consistently against a defense looking to get the Huskers behind schedule?

More From: Dane Key

Nyziah Hunter had the hot hand against Michigan State, but it was still surprising to see Key finish the day with zero receptions. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen isn’t worried, in fact, he called Key’s performance his “best game” with the Huskers, praising his improved play speed and his blocking, which helped spring two touchdowns against the Spartans. If his Kentucky career is any indication, Key bounces back from “down games” pretty well. He’s been relatively reliable when Raiola goes his way, but there have been a few instances where the two haven’t been quite able to connect. In a true road environment for the first time this season, against a team expected to get after Dylan Raiola, the sophomore quarterback is going to need reliable targets. Key has shown to be that, but can he make some difference-making plays when the Huskers need it? Perhaps the senior sees some favorable 1-on-1 matchups on Saturday as defenses account for the play of Hunter and Jacory Barney this season.

More From: Keona Davis

Much has been made of the play of Nebraska’s front against Michigan State as the Huskers bounced back in a big way against the Spartans. One performance that has gone rather unnoticed was the play of Keona Davis, who played in 23 snaps but looked more comfortable than he did against Cincinnati and Michigan. Prior to the bye week, Davis looked to be adjusting to the added weight to his frame and seemed to be playing slower, with more on his plate compared to his freshman season in terms of his assignment. Against a Michigan State front that was admittedly thin, and likely worse than the Cincinnati’s offensive line in all honesty, Davis was playing quicker and resetting the line of scrimmage at times, opening up matchups for others around him. In eleven pass rush snaps, he recorded three pressures. Seeing Davis play fast and free was encouraging, the Huskers will need him to continue developing through the rest of the season. I’m looking for the sophomore to now build off that performance, continue getting off the ball quick and utilizing his size to reset the line of scrimmage. Last Saturday served as a breakout opportunity for Williams Nwaneri after a month of steady development. A breakout performance from Davis on Saturday would be extremely encouraging for the state of the defensive line through the rest of the 2025 season and beyond.