Marcus Satterfield addresses approach to run-pass balance

Nebraska welcomes a new coaching staff to Lincoln ahead of the 2023 season. That includes new offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, who previously held the same role at South Carolina and was an assistant for head coach Matt Rhule with the Carolina Panthers.

One big question for Satterfield and the offense to answer is its approach to a run-pass balance.

“No, it’s just we have to be able to do it at a high level when needed,” Marcus Satterfield said. “Like, we have to be able to run the ball in the four-minute, and run it well. We have to be able to run the ball in the redzone. Is that 60 percent of the time? 60/40. Is it 70/30? I mean, it could be 30/70, you know, run to pass and we’re running that way we’ll get 100, you know, six yards a carry.”

In an ideal world, offenses will either run to set up the pass or pass to set up the run. Either way, they’ll be able to do so effectively enough that the defense needs to respect both. Therefore, they can effectively operate regardless of the situation.

“So, different phases of the game are going to call for you to run the ball and throw the ball at a high level. We’ve got to be able to do both whenever that time is needed.”

A key piece of the puzzle in Marcus Satterfield’s offense is going to be getting transfer quarterback Jeff Sims to be comfortable. Still, he’s facing a major challenge according to On3’s JD PicKell.

“The concern for Nebraska fans could be, ‘Where is this roster at with him? Is he going to be able to be in a position to succeed?’ That was kind of the issue at Georgia Tech. ‘Is there enough around him to be successful?’” PicKell said. “The feeling at Nebraska is — while there is some new pieces, there are some guys that have benefited from having that COVID year. There is a fair amount of maturity on this roster.”

Marcus Satterfield shared his initial feelings on the offense

With Fall Camp just getting started, Marcus Satterfield shared his initial thoughts on the Nebraska offense.

“It’s still early in the stages. I told the guys that I appreciated the work they did in the summer. They made a huge jump in the summer as a unit in knowing what to do, how we do it. The leadership is starting to step up at the top,” Satterfield said.

“We’ve had a great summer. Strength staff did an incredible job. The player-run practices — I think the leaders on our team did a really nice job. It has been a really smooth transition from spring to fall camp.”