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Benning defines “stopping the run” ahead of Penn State game
NEBRASKA CITY – Husker Radio Network Analyst Damon Benning took questions from his Big Red Buzz audience at Valentino’s in Nebraska City ahead of Saturday night’s game against Penn State offering a definition for stopping the run and the next-man-up mindset.
Benning responded to a question about the decommit of 2026 quarterback Dayton Raiola so soon after Coach Matt Rhule traveled to his high school in Georgia.
Benning said Coach Rhule’s comments this week keep the focus on a consistent message of culture and development.
Benning: “If you want to stay in the program, we’ll coach you. If you don’t, that’s cool too. … You have to reaffirm that’s what your culture is.”
Benning said he believes the Raiola family has never strayed from understanding the need for player development regardless of three or five stars.
He said the football program shares that development mindset regarding player decisions.
Benning: “Nebraska is going to try and put themselves in a position where it doesn’t really matter. You want to be able to have a next man up mentality. … The message is consistent.”
Benning credited offensive line coach Donovan Raiola for player development.
Benning: “Coach Raiola has used the next man up mentality for a long time. … He has clearly proven that guys leave the program better than when they got there.”
He said if Nebraska wins the turnover battle the Huskers will win the game, but he predicts a Penn State victory 24 to 20.
Benning: “Nebraska just can’t get chunked with explosives in the run game.”
He said missed tackles will be counted, but the key to victory is getting players to the ground at the point of contact.
Benning: “ — That’s how you stop the run game.”