# Huskers Challenge Offense Ahead of Washington

> Holgorsen urges QB1 to 'keep playing your ass off' as Huskers aim to fix offense before Washington game.
- Title: Huskers Challenge Offense Ahead of Washington | Shortify
- Summary: Holgorsen urges QB1 to 'keep playing your ass off' as Huskers aim to fix offense before Washington game. Nebraska's offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen…
- Keywords: nebraska, nebraska cornhuskers, dana holgorsen, anthony colandrea, nebraska football, washington, big ten, running backs, offense, huskers, nebraska cornhuskers football, nebraska football game
- Source: Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI — https://si.com/college/nebraska/football/holgorsen-challenges-huskers-offense-ahead-of-washington-game-01m5z73hf5c8
- Published: 2026-10-27T19:38:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nebraska, nebraska cornhuskers, dana holgorsen, anthony colandrea, nebraska football, washington, big ten, running backs, offense, huskers, nebraska cornhuskers football, nebraska football game
## Huskers' offense aims to right ship
Nebraska's offense seeks to fix back-to-back losses to Indiana and Oregon.
## Holgorsen identifies consistency as key
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen says consistency will help Huskers offense return to form.
## Colandrea remains steady
Senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea competes at high level weekly despite team instability.
## Holgorsen's QB1 message
Holgorsen tells Colandrea: 'Keep playing your ass off. That’s what he does.'

> Keep playing your ass off, Holgorsen said. That’s what he does. I mean, the kid was bouncing around at practice last night. He’s the same guy every day. Whether it’s practice or whether it’s in a game, that kid is a warrior.
## Colandrea's performance
Colandrea leads Huskers in passing and rushing in three of four Big Ten games.
## Running backs need improvement
Holgorsen says running backs must play better despite injuries and inconsistent performance.

> The running backs have got to play better. They’ve got to play better. They’ve shown spurts; we have good players in the room; all three (Jamal Rule, Mekhi Nelson, and Isaiah Mozee) have been banged up. Welcome to Big Ten football. Grow up… Play through it. They’ll respond and play better.
## Huskers face Washington
Huskers play Washington after back-to-back losses to Indiana and Oregon.
## Washington defense strength
Washington boasts two of nation's best defenses against Huskers.
## Huskers' bye week benefit
Huskers use bye week to get running backs healthy before Washington game.
## Huskers' ball security
Huskers have carried ball 270 times without fumble in seven games.
## Huskers' ball security focus
Holgorsen says Huskers must keep ball security focus despite strong performance.

> Well, it’s two years in a row, so it’s something to what the approach is. So, harp on it; work it; coach it; obsess over it; point things out when it doesn’t look right. But we're doing a good job with the ball.
## Washington defense challenge
Washington has strong pass defense and defensive line to challenge Huskers.

> It’s a good Big Ten defense. These guys have really good players. They’re a couple of years removed from the CFP, if I’m not mistaken… Their history is good; their culture is good. They’re really exceptional in pass defense.
## Huskers' game strategy
Huskers must be elite pre-snap to counter Washington defense.

> Everyone’s going to have a good defensive line that’s going to try to get after the quarterback. A lot of man coverage, a lot of disguises with what they’re doing defensively. We’re going to have to be elite pre-snap trying to figure out what they’re trying to do. Good players, man. It’s going to be a challenging game, but isn’t everyone?
## Game kickoff details
Kickoff set for 7 p.m. CDT with Huskers' blackout game on Big Ten Network.
## Key takeaway

Nebraska's offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen challenges quarterback Anthony Colandrea to maintain high effort while running backs improve ahead of Washington game.