Saturday night under the lights at Beaver Stadium represents more than just another road game for Nebraska—it’s a referendum on the entire philosophy guiding the Huskers’ offense in 2025.
As Nebraska prepares
to face Penn State in one of college football’s most hostile environments, the question isn’t whether freshman quarterback TJ Raiola can handle the pressure. The real question is whether offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will finally embrace the aggressive mentality needed to compete with elite Big Ten defenses.
Penn State enters this Nebraska vs Penn State showdown with a defense that ranks among the nation’s best, despite a season that’s been nothing short of chaotic. After losing to Oregon in double overtime, the Nittany Lions incredibly dropped their next two games as 20-point favorites in both—a feat so rare it had never happened in college football history until this season.
The subsequent coaching change has done little to diminish Penn State’s defensive prowess, and against Nebraska that will show up in destroying our offensive tackles and create havoc in the backfield.
For Nebraska, ranked 92nd nationally in rush defense, the path to victory requires scoring between 28-31 points.
Penn State’s offense, while struggling since losing Drew Allar for the season, remains capable of putting up 21-24 points even in down performances. This means the Huskers can’t afford to engage in the type of conservative, grinding offensive approach that’s characterized much of their season. With Nebraska ranking just 78th nationally in explosive plays (defined as runs over 10 yards and passes over 20), the lack of big-play ability becomes even more glaring against Penn State’s formidable defense.
The blueprint for Nebraska success requires maximum aggression from the opening drive.
Run-pass options, misdirection, screen passes, and deep shots downfield must all be part of the game plan. The scripted opening drive that Holgorsen typically executes well needs to result in points immediately, setting a tone that could rattle a Penn State team that’s shown vulnerability to adversity this season. The mental toughness factor cuts both ways in this matchup—both programs have demonstrated a tendency to crumble when things go wrong, making the first quarter especially critical.
Defensive coordinator John Butler faces his own challenges. His bend-but-don’t-break philosophy that allows yardage until the red zone won’t work against Penn State’s run-heavy attack. Without defensive tackle Ty Robinson, Nebraska’s interior line lacks the mass to clog running lanes consistently. Penn State will look to establish the run early and often, wearing down a Nebraska defense that’s struggled against physical rushing attacks all season.
The contrast between Matt Rule’s rhetoric and Nebraska’s on-field execution has never been more apparent. The head coach’s “If we die, we die” mantra suggests a program willing to take risks and play with abandon. Yet Nebraska’s offensive approach has been decidedly NFL-like—conservative, risk-averse, and focused on avoiding turnovers rather than creating explosive plays.
My message to Matt Rhule regarding his YOLO mantra is another phrase you could put on a t-shirt.
The “things you be doing should match the bullshit you’re spewing”.
Special teams could provide the difference-maker Nebraska desperately needs. Coordinator Mike Eckler’s unit showed promise early in the season before fading somewhat in recent weeks. A blocked punt, a big return, or any seven points generated by special teams would significantly ease the offensive burden and potentially shift momentum in the hostile environment.
The Nebraska vs Penn State matchup ultimately comes down to identity.
Can the Huskers be the aggressive, attack-minded offense necessary to compete with Big Ten powers? Or will they default to the conservative approach that’s left them struggling for explosive plays and relying on mistake-free football? With College Football Playoff implications virtually gone for both programs, this game becomes about pride, progress, and proving which program has the mental and physical toughness to execute when adversity strikes.
Saturday night will answer these questions under the unforgiving lights of Beaver Stadium, where college football history has witnessed countless defining moments. For Nebraska, survival in Happy Valley requires embracing risk, trusting young playmakers, and finally matching on-field aggression with off-field confidence.
