# Dana Holgorsen tells receivers: Want the ball? Play better > Nebraska's offensive coordinator challenges his wide receivers while praising his running backs' unexpected passing game success. - Title: Dana Holgorsen tells receivers: Want the ball? Play better - Summary: Nebraska's offensive coordinator challenges his wide receivers while praising his running backs' unexpected passing game success. In Holgorsen's offense… - Keywords: dana holgorsen, nebraska cornhuskers, nyziah hunter, jacory barney jr, anthony colandrea, mekhi nelson, wide receivers, big ten, north dakota, college football, offensive coordinator, sports - Source: Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI — https://si.com/college/nebraska/football/huskers-dana-holgorsen-challenges-wide-receivers-to-improve-01m2k5ajndjd - Published: 2026-09-15T20:45:01+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: dana holgorsen, nebraska cornhuskers, nyziah hunter, jacory barney jr, anthony colandrea, mekhi nelson, wide receivers, big ten, north dakota, college football, offensive coordinator, sports ## Nebraska's offense is rolling early Through two games, the Huskers rank 14th nationally in yards per game and second in the Big Ten. But Holgorsen sees plenty of room for improvement. ## Completion percentage jumps in Week 2 Anthony Colandrea improved from 56% against Ohio to 20 of 24 for 222 yards and four touchdowns against Bowling Green. > I thought the completion percentage should be higher and it was. So, (I'm) happy with that. ## Best yards per play since November Nebraska averaged 8.4 yards per play against Bowling Green, the highest mark since Holgorsen took over play-calling in November 2024. ## Offensive line needs work The protection unit has allowed five hurries, three hits, and two sacks through two games. Holgorsen wants fewer hits on his quarterback. > Anthony got hit a few too many times. ## Converting on second down Nebraska faced just eight third-down attempts on 69 offensive plays in Week 2, thanks to strong second-down conversions. > The thing I liked more than anything was the lack of critical downs. ## Barney's penalties costing touchdowns Jacory Barney Jr. has 204 all-purpose yards and two scores, but blocking penalties have wiped two touchdowns off the board. > I'm tired of touchdowns coming off the board. ## Running backs dominating the passing game Nebraska's running backs have caught 185 of the team's 557 passing yards and three of eight touchdown passes. Mekhi Nelson is the second-leading receiver. ## Screen passes are money plays Holgorsen says he should call more screen passes because every time he does, it works. The success comes from downfield blocking. ## Receivers blocking 20 yards downfield On Nelson's touchdown against Ohio, four receivers were locked onto four defensive backs 15 to 20 yards downfield, creating explosive plays. ## Hunter's production has disappeared Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has contributed very little through two games despite the offense averaging 7.5 yards per play. ## Holgorsen challenges Hunter directly The coordinator told Hunter that earning targets starts at practice. He needs to see more from the talented receiver. > If you want the ball more, then be a better player. ## Competition for targets is fierce Holgorsen says multiple players deserve the ball and want it to help the team win. Hunter must separate himself to get more opportunities. ## North Dakota poses real threat The sixth-ranked FCS team comes to Lincoln with motivation. Holgorsen warns that FCS teams regularly play their best against FBS opponents. > There are examples every year of FCS teams playing their tails off. ## Transfer portal adds extra motivation North Dakota players want to prove they can compete at the FBS level. Combined with a winning program's mentality, it creates a dangerous matchup. > When you pair that with a winning program, who's used to winning, it's a dangerous situation. ## Key takeaway In Holgorsen's offense, targets are earned through practice performance and execution, not just talent or desire.