NEBRASKA CITY – Husker Radio Network analyst Damon Benning told the Big Red Buzz crowd Thursday at Valentino’s Restaurant in Nebraska City to expect to see Nebraska stick to its offensive philosophy despite injuries to two top running backs.

He described offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield as confident in what he wants to accomplish through the season and not likely to be swayed by public rancor.

Benning said the offense under backup quarterback Heinrich Haarberg last week was indicative of what was in the playbook for him at season’s start. Although some play calling was different against Northern Illinois,  Benning said the offensive philosophy is primarily unchanged.

He said a healthy Jeff Sims remains quarterback No. 1 and said the quarterback run game may be amped up in reaction to a depleted running back’s room, due to injuries to Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin. A starter for Saturday's game has not been named.

Benning called pass protection from running back Emmett Johnson a key to watch as the freshmen is worked into the game plan. Benning has long assessed Anthony Grant at the team's best runner and said Grant showed that in last week's game.

Benning continued to prescribe the fullback run game and noted instances of the triple-option in Saturday’s win.