Do four running backs equal one?

The only surprise on Nebraska’s depth chart is that the competition at running backs continues into the season, with four backs — Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Gabe Ervin and Dante Dowdell — having a chance.

I thought Matt Rhule would select a clear first-team back. Is there a great back in the house — or one that can bring it to the house? I see four good backs.

Rhule made an interesting comment, how “when we block it for four (yards), four should be 12. Block it for four, and it should be 80.”

Agreed. I see some backs who should be able to get 12 yards. 80? I don’t see a game-breaker.

And more importantly, how about a back who can get from the red zone to the end zone?

I wonder a couple things: How much time does Nebraska spend running the ball during practice? And does that hinder the running backs?

And could Nebraska step up and rush the field to win a game like Georgia Tech beat Florida State on Saturday?

This doesn’t change my opinion of the offense: it’s going to be a throwing offense. And again, when you have Dylan Raiola and that abundance of receivers, you play to your strengths.

Can you use the word “abundance” when it comes to football?

Like I said, “Run the Damn Ball” has been replaced with “Protect the Damn Ball.” But does it fit on a hat?

Prediction: The back who is best at taking care of the ball and protecting the pass will be on the field the most. Committees are not always bad. But the best running games have one chairman.

In my forty years of typing, I’ve seen a handful of coaches say they don’t talk to a certain member of the media. But here’s the thing: No school or coach can stop us from asking questions.

When I saw this, the reporter in question usually talked it out with the coach. Or let it blow over — which always happened.

Deion can cancel all questions. We start getting answers on Thursday night when Colorado plays North Dakota State.

I hear a lot of people who already figured out CU. What if the Buffs are really good?

I know some people like to make fun of how the Blackshirts are handed out and covered up. I hope that’s a story that is always covered. The reaction of the players when they get one is still priceless. It means so much. Things that mean a lot in this game should be celebrated – and promoted.

Can we bring back the red balloons now?

I loved ESPN’s “No Place Like Nebraska.” It’s a show that athletes, parents, and coaches should all watch more than once. There are so many valuable lessons. These kids are people, with weaknesses. They’re still kids.

Harper Murray, you are the best.

And the part where coach John Cook talks about adapting to maintain relationships with his players is pure gold. Too many older coaches hang it up instead of adapting to the changing obstacles of college sports. That’s their right. But the best coaches have always adapted. That adaptation has helped Cook build his best roster — and find meaning at the end of his career.

Interesting perspective from Creighton volleyball coach Kirsten Bernthal-Booth on what it’s like to build a national program near Nebraska:

“It’s just a game for me and I think it’s just a game for Nebraska. They’re a great team with a high RPI. And you know, Terry Pettit has been a great mentor to me. There’s no doubt that Creighton is who they are — Wayne State and Kearney are who they are — because of Nebraska. I always think that game is a celebration of the incredible volleyball in this state.

“We don’t recruit against Nebraska that much. They get the best recruits in the country. Unless they’re from Omaha, they probably aren’t looking at us right now. We’re going for the next tier where we know we’re going to get incredible players that we see potential in.”

I found it interesting that right after Florida State lost to Georgia Tech on Saturday, ESPN commentators were already saying that FSU was still in the playoff race. That’s true. But no one was talking about Georgia Tech being in the mix.

Greg Sharpe told me he plans to be in the booth Saturday to cover Nebraska’s season opener, and the day already feels like a victory.